Obituary of Jean Elizabeth Matheson, Reserve Mines

Jean Elizabeth (Somers) Matheson Reserve Mines September 9th, 1923 – August 6th, 2020 It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of Jean Matheson, age 96, peacefully at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, Nova Scotia with her niece Donna by her side. A long-time resident of Reserve Mines, Jean was the daughter of the late William Somers and Elizabeth (Grady) Somers of Middle Melford, Nova Scotia. She was predeceased by husband Forbes, infant son Arthur, daughters Christine Royal and Verona Simmons as well as her beloved grandson Mark Royal. The last of fifteen children she was also predeceased by brothers Bill, George, Edward, and Seymour; sisters Molly, Madeline, Helen, Ethel, Ora, Ida-Belle, Ada, Neta, Jane, and Beatrice. Jean leaves behind daughters Elizabeth George (Rick) of Lower Sackville, Marion Matheson (Pat) of Ottawa and Madeline Matheson (Bill) of Mexico. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, Forbes (Rusty) Royal (Tanya) of Glace Bay, NS, Terri Thomas (John) of Moncton, NB, Stephen Workman (Melissa) of London, UK, Christopher George (Nadia) of Denver, Colorado, and Jason George (Paula) of Tantallon, NS, as well as her eight great-grandchildren, Ben Royal, Jarrett and Austin Thomas, Alexa Workman, Ethan and Nicholas George, Andrew and Rylan George and many nieces and nephews. Jean was a strong, independent woman devoted to home and family and, as with most women of her time, life was certainly not easy but they persevered. She was a dedicated member of Gordon United Church in Reserve Mines and a long-time patron of St. James Anglican Church in Middle Melford, Nova Scotia. The selfless care and companionship of special niece, Donna (Somers) Collins through some very challenging times over several years has been invaluable and very much appreciated. The care and service provided by the staff of the Glace Bay General Hospital over the last several weeks was of great comfort to family. We are also very grateful to the dedicated caregivers of the Cape Breton Home Care Makers who made it possible for Jean to remain comfortably in her home for several years. Cremation has taken place under the direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, Cremation & Reception Center, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. Due to the restrictions imposed by Covid-19, a memorial service will be announced at a later date. Her ashes will be interred in the United Church Cemetery in Reserve Mines at that time. If desired, donations can be made to St James Anglican Church of Middle Melford, Guysborough County, Nova Scotia or a charity of choice. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca