Obituary of Anna Veronica Mataseje

ANNA MATASEJE (nee Kana) September 11, 1922 - February 28, 2016: Anna passed away peacefully in her 94th year at Albright Manor Nursing Home, with her family by her side. She immigrated as a child from Yugoslavia with her parents who settled initially in Alberta. Later they moved to Ontario where Anna met her now deceased husband, John. They raised 8 children, Rosie Schroder, Tom, Helen Williams, Paul (Mo), Steve (Darlene), Veronica, Joe and Larry (Gwen) all of whom were a great source of pride for them. After retiring from farm life, Anna took on a custodial position at St. Martin's Catholic School where she not only inspired the staff with her work ethic but also with the poetry she wrote. When she retired, the school honoured her with an award, given to a worthy student, in her name. After retiring from her job, Anna travelled to Europe, across Canada and to the USA. Anna was a long standing member and president of the Catholic Women’s League at St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church in Smithville, a position she loved. A devout Roman Catholic convert, she spent much time volunteering in the community, fund raising for the Church and other organizations as well as providing support for some of the local elderly shut-ins. She also got certified in First Aid and assisted St. John’s Ambulance services with first aid issues at local fairs/festivals. Anna was a very loving, strong, creative, determined and independent woman. She was very protective of her children and doted on her grandchildren, Martyne, Laura, Barrett, Alex, Devin, Spencer, Roxanne and Audrey. She leaves behind 3 great grandchildren, Willem, Wesley and Willow. A stroke in 1999 ended her active and independent life. She will be sadly missed by her children, her siblings Elizabeth, Katherine, Sam, John, Sue and Mary, her many nieces and nephews as well as her friends. Visitation at Merritt Funeral Home, 287 Station Street, Smithville, ON from 6 – 9 p.m. Tuesday March 1st with Prayers at 6 p.m. Funeral Liturgy will be held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 166 West Street (Regional Rd 20), Smithville, ON at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Cancer Society through the funeral home.