Apr 15, 1927 - Dec 8, 2017
Hannah Marie Matson of Red Deer, Alberta, formerly of Bluffton, Alberta, passed away at Bethany CollegeSide, Red Deer on Friday, December 8, 2017 at the age of 90 years, following a short struggle with liver failure.
Hannah was born to Cornelius and Sarah Neufeld in Swalwell, Alberta on April 15, 1927.
She was one of eight siblings, and was raised on a farm in the Didsbury area.
Managing a farming household came early for Hannah, as her own mother died when Hannah was 15 years old.
Her mother's kitchen became hers until, in 1949 at the age of 22 years, she married Alfred Matson of the Iola District.
Hannah and Alfred farmed together in Iola until 1973. They then bought an empty church in Bluffton, and after remodelling it, established and operated "Whispering Hope", a home for handicapped children.
Hannah and Alfred shared their home and their lives; loving, caring, and helping 52 children with special needs over their 25 years of service.
In 1993 they retired, and in 2003 they moved to Red Deer to be closer to family.
They spent a couple of years at an assisted living facility in Ponoka before failing health brought them to settle into the Bethany Care facility.
Hannah will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her loving children: Dennis (Rachel) Matson of Boyle, Alberta; Doris (Art) Fleming of Wallace, Idaho; Wayne (Elizabeth) Matson of Bracebridge, Ontario; Cindy (Bob) McColm of Lloydminster; Myron Matson of Red Deer; Collette Miller of Edmonton; and Jenine Matson of Red Deer; as well as nineteen cherished grandchildren, and thirty-three great grandchildren.
She will also be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her brother, Amos Neufeld of Red Deer; and two sisters, Sarah Wall of Grande Prairie; and Lois (Al) Fuchs of Red Deer; in addition to many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and a host of friends.
Hannah was predeceased by her parents, Cornelius and Sarah; her beloved husband, Alfred in 2014; her daughter, Joyce Goings; infant twins, Faith and Hope; and four brothers: Neil, Abe, Ernie, and Dan.
A Public Funeral Service in Celebration of Hannah's Life was held at the Hoadley Evangelical Missionary Church, Hoadley on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Barry Klassen and Pastor Steve Budd officiating.
A Family Interment preceded the Funeral Service in the Hoadley Cemetery, Hoadley at 11:00 a.m.
If friends desire, memorial tributes in Hannah's Memory may be made directly to the Hoadley Evangelical Missionary Church, c/o R.R. #2, Bluffton, Alberta T0C 0M0.
Condolences to the Family may also be expressed by email to: HYPERLINK "mailto:special_reflections@telusplanet.net"special_reflections@telusplanet.net
Funeral and Burial Arrangements for the Late Hannah Marie Matson entrusted to the care of OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS LTD. Telephone (403) 843-4445