We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Marelyn Inez Matkowski on Thursday, February 13, 2014 at the Theodore Health Centre, one day after her 89 birthday. Marelyn was born on February 12, 1925 in the Springside district of Saskatchewan; a daughter of Joseph and Martha (nee Sanderson) Gruber. She was raised on the family farm and attended Good Luck School until grade 8, and although she wanted to continue on to high school, she had to remain at home to help on the family farm. Later on she worked as an egg candler at the Springside Egg Candling Station. Following that she continued to work at the Myles & Barry farm, helping with all of the farm functions. While working there Marelyn attended dances held at the local schools, it was at one of these dances that she met Ted Matkowski. In August of 1949 she and Ted were united in marriage. The couple farmed the former Emil Hansen land, east of Theodore. Besides being the homemaker and handling the financial affairs of the farm, she was very active in the community, having served as Secretary/Treasurer of the Theodore & District Recreation Association, and for many years was a member of the Creekside Women's Guild. Marelyn took up curling at a young age, and her love of the game carried on throughout her life, she had served as President of the Theodore Ladies Curling Club, and even after she was unable to curl she followed the game closely, and had been cheering on our ladies at the Scottie's just a couple of weeks ago. In her younger years she played softball and enjoyed watching the Blue Jays. In her spare moments, crocheting was a favorite pastime. Ted and Marelyn loved to go fishing and picking wild mushrooms. Taking a drive in the country near and far was a weekly tradition to check out the local activities. Following Ted's passing Marelyn remained in her home until April of 2012, when she moved to Â鶹´«Ã½AVview Manor, where she resided until becoming a resident of the Theodore Health Centre in February of last year. Predeceased by her husband Ted on November 14, 2010; her parents, Joseph & Martha; a brother Frank and sister Elsie in infancy; sister Evelyn Schmidt; and by brothers Elmer, Wilfred and Joseph. She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving daughter Denise (Tony) Norman of Oakville, ON.; grandchildren Angela & Jeff; step grandchildren Adam & Erin; sister, Eileen Scheller of Springside; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The funeral service was held on Thursday, February 20th 2014 from the Theodore Recreation Complex in Theodore., with Crystal Bailey, B.Th. officiating. Organist, Amanda Buhler led members of the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Amazing Grace' and 'Abide With Me'. The interment followed in the Theodore Town Cemetery with Jeff and Angela Norman, Murray and Terry Scheller, and Aaron. Larry & Mark Gruber serving as the casket bearers. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Theodore Health Centre or the Theodore Cemetery Fund.
