Linda Hazel May Matthews

Matthews, Linda Hazel May
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our dear Linda, at Andy’s House on December 18, 2023, at the age of 70.

Linda fought a courageous four month journey with an extremely aggressive form of cancer. Her determination and positive outlook shined through during her brain surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Leaving a legacy became important to Linda, and she wanted to give back to South Muskoka Memorial Hospital. In November, Linda was featured in a fundraising letter for the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation. She was so proud of the money raised to date.

Linda was born in Bracebridge, on May 27, 1953. She was the beloved daughter to the late William and Hazel Etler.

Beloved wife of Larry Matthews for 46 years. She also leaves her much loved and cherished sister, Lorraine Etler. Her fur babies Chloe, Calli and Neesha will also greatly miss her.

Linda was a very loving spouse, daughter, sister, aunt, great aunt and friend. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Having no children of her own, Linda served for 10 years as a school trustee for the former Board of Education and on the newly amalgamated Trillium Lakelands District School (Muskoka, Haliburton and City of Kawartha Lakes). During her time on the board, she was known for her unwavering support for students and in particular, students with mental or physical disabilities. Linda was respected by her colleagues for her strong belief that education would improve by working together.

Linda also cherished being on the finance committee at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Her faith was important to the way she lived her life every day.

Linda was so proud to work at Taboo Muskoka. She became a part of the Taboo family very quickly. She was hired because of her head for numbers, but it was her warmth and genuine caring that made the most impact.

We would like to thank Dr. Cole Krensky, Dr. Jennifer Hammel, Dr. Bill Hemens, Dr. Sunit Das, Dr. Kang Zeng, Dr. Sara Rask and the oncology department at Huntsville Hospital, for your dedication in looking after Linda. Our utmost appreciation to Andy’s House for the special care Linda received, a truly amazing place.

There will be a graveside service in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the following:

Andy’s House,

South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation,

The Ride to Conquer Cancer (sister Lorraine’s ride), Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation