Obituary of Pauline Matthes

Pauline Matthes was well held in love by close friends and immediate family during her final hours and days until her death on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. 

Welcomed into the world as the fourth of six children in Birmingham, England, to her parents Raymond and Peggy on April 19, 1950. Pauline spent her early years taking trips to the seaside, camping, and taking care of their many farm animals. Her father decided that they’d have chance of a better life in Canada so at age eight, she boarded a ship with her mother and four of her siblings. The family settled in Winnipeg where she acclimated to her new life and was quick to make many friends.

After spending part of her adolescence in Edmonton, AB, Pauline moved back to Winnipeg, MB, and met a handsome young man, Wayne, whom she eventually married and had two daughters. Pauline spent many years with them at home before going on to enjoy a 30-year career in insurance and government service before retiring in 2010 to spend more time with her grandkids.

Family was everything to Pauline. She considered close friends to be family and took tremendous pride in creating a cozy, welcoming home where everyone felt welcome. She was always up to whip up a Sunday dinner or solve the world’s problems over a cup of tea or a quick round of crib, usually while something delicious was simmering on the stove. Pauline especially valued creating memorable family vacations, whether that meant a quick trip to Winnipeg Beach and Gimli, camping getaways to the Whiteshell, a week at Clear Lake or an adventure further abroad. 

She took countless trips to visit her siblings spread across Canada and the US and spent many winter vacations in Hemet, California, initially visiting her mom and later wintering there for several years in retirement. Pauline cherished her time there, as well as in Palm Springs and Disneyland with Wayne, her daughters, and grandkids. Some of her most memorable vacations were to Hawaii or Europe. She spoke fondly of her river cruise as well as the opportunity to travel “home” to England one last time with her mother and brother Steve. 

Her family was made whole in 2019 when a surprise phone call reunited her with her son, Mitch.  In her last years, she made many visits to the West Coast to enjoy time with Mitch and his family and as well as having them visit Winnipeg. They are all very much an integral part of the family. This gave Pauline an almost indescribable peace and contentment that was felt by those around her.

Pauline is predeceased by her mother Peggy, stepfather Jim, father Ray, and brothers, Tony and Dave.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 52 years, Wayne and children, Mitch (Alicia), Shawna, and Amanda. Pauline was loved by all her grandkids Josh, Katie, Carter, Daniella, Wes, and Jack. She also leaves behind her siblings, Steve (Judy), Dian, Chris, and many nieces and nephews.

Pauline faced her mid-March cancer diagnosis and subsequent illness complications with grace and an ever-positive outlook. As her family, we are heartbroken to lose our cherished core of our family but find comfort in knowing that she has transfigured cancer’s grip and rests peacefully now. Thank you for always giving us a ‘safe place to land when needed’.

Our deepest gratitude goes to the healthcare teams at St. Boniface Hospital and HSC Women’s Hospital for their care and support throughout her cancer journey. In keeping with her wishes to be cremated, a celebration of life will be planned at a later date.

Should you feel moved, a donation in her memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9 .