Irene Martha Matthews

Irene Martha (Graham) Matthews

With sadness, we announce the passing of Irene Martha (Graham) Matthews, 84 years, at East Cumberland Lodge, Pugwash, on Sept. 5, 2026. She was the daughter of John Edwin Graham and Jessie Mabel (Morrison) Graham, Elmfield, Pictou County, N.S. She was born August 7, 1942, at Sutherland Memorial Hospital, Pictou, with Dr. Milton R. Young. Waiting also were sister Marjorie Jean and brother John Russell.

Irene attended Elmfield School, a short distance away, and walked home each day for dinner. When Elmfield School closed, she walked to the end of the Elmfield Rd., took the school bus to Patterson School, Pictou Academy, and later West Pictou District High School, Lyons Brook, where she received her Grade 12. She attended Bethel Presbyterian Church, Sunday School and Junior Choir, Scotsburn, the Plainfield West Branch 4-H Calf Club, and took piano lessons with teacher Ruth Cunningham.

Irene attended Glace Bay General School of Nursing and graduated in 1966. She worked there, then at the Scarborough, Ont., Hospital, returned to N.S. to the former Halifax Infirmary, and became assistant head nurse on the pre- and post-surgical floor. Afterwards, she worked with Dental Outpatients at the Infirmary and at the VG before retiring in the late 1990s.

Irene bought a house in Fairview in 1977, sported around in her black Monte Carlo, and lived there until the 1990s.

After retiring, Irene moved to Malagash, attended Malagash United Church, sang in the choir, and helped out at the Malagash Community Centre.

Irene loved to travel, visiting Boston, Bermuda, London, U.K., Florida, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, California, Martha’s Vineyard, the Magdalene Islands, Newfoundland, and Ottawa for tulip time. She also enjoyed Anna McGoldrick Tours and Collins Tours, including a Baltic Cruise and Cherry Blossom Tour.

Irene Martha Graham and Thomas Frederick Matthews, of Truro, were married at Bethel Presbyterian Church, Scotsburn, on Sept. 9, 1995, and spent their remaining years in Malagash.

Irene had many close friends, including Eileen Turnbull, Phyllis Gennoe, Audrey Peckham, Clara Stewart, Mildred Stewart, Verna Gollan, Ruth Simpkins, Marie MacDonald, Zena, Diane Chandler, Margery Ellison, Beatrice and daughter Jennifer Lamb, Carolyn Burns, Trish Ross, and Linda Diczku. She also loved cats, including Snowball in Fairview and Mumsie in Malagash.

Fred left us on August 7, 2026, at 81 years, at his home. Irene was also predeceased by her parents, Edwin, in 1987, and Mabel, in 1988; former fiancé Stan Seaman, in 1992; and friends along the way. Brother Russell passed away Dec. 20, 2020, and is missed.

We remember those still with us: Russell’s wife, Joan, Scotsburn; sister Marjorie Johnson Fraser, Toney Mills; nieces and nephews Heather (Rennie) MacKenzie, Toney River; Walter (Joyce) Johnson, Toney River; Jo-Ann Spillett, Halifax; Scott (Elizabeth) Graham, Sarnia, Ont.; Jill (David) Scanlan, Elmfield; and Jonathan (Alison) Graham, New York.

Irene’s grandnieces and grandnephews: Marianna, Molly, Evan; Rebecca, Ethan; Emily, Ryan; Riely, Annie; Zachery, and Rooney. Great-nieces and nephews: Magnolia, Winnie, Charlie, Henry, and Gus. Also Irene’s MacAulay, MacKenzie, Murray, and Stewart cousins.

Irene’s stepchildren: Jason (Katrina), with Payton, Paige, and Payce, in Truro; Jennifer (and children). Fred’s siblings: brother Les, Stewiacke; sisters Carolyn Van der Leest, Truro; Cheryl (Eric) Manzer, Lake George; and Mary Crowe, Onslow Mountain.

Thank you to all the medical people who were involved in Irene’s care over the past year and a half: CRHCC (Amherst), CEHHA (Truro), Dr. Willows Dickson Centre, All Diagnostic Souls, Seniors Clinic Truro, all EHS and Emergency Responders, EMPA, VON, Homecare NS, LFMH staff, Dr. Copp, Dr. Bush, and clinic staff from May 11 to July 20, 2026; and East Cumberland Lodge staff since July 20.

Donations may be made to Malagash United Church, Scotsburn Bethel Cemetery, or charity of choice.

Visitation will be held at Coulter’s Funeral Home, Tatamagouche, on Tuesday, September 8, from 2 to 4 p.m.

Her funeral will be held at Malagash United Church at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, with Rev. Connie McNamara.

A graveside service and burial will be held at Bethel Cemetery, Scotsburn, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, with Rev. Dr. Glen Matheson. Reception to follow in Bethel Presbyterian Church.