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BORN
04/21/1925
DIED
11/04/2025
Joan Matkin Obituary
We are saddened to announce the passing of our Mom on November 4, 2025, at the age of 100. She was predeceased by our dad, Douglas Matkin, and eldest daughter, Carole Schwab. She is survived by daughter Arlene, son Neil (Alain), daughter Shirlee (Bruce), and son-in-law David Schwab. Also left to mourn are her grandchildren, Tyler, Jayne, Jesse, and Monica, and her four great-grandchildren.
Mom was born in Aldershot, UK, on April 21, 1925, and was proud of the fact that she shared a birthday with Queen Elizabeth II. She joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS) in 1942, although she had to lie about her age as she was too young. She was stationed in Portsmouth and on leave when she met Lt. Doug Matkin at a dance, and 6 weeks later, they were married.
She left the UK on a ship full of War Brides and landed at Halifax, NS. She then boarded a train across Canada and stayed with Dad's family in Waterton Lake, AB until he joined her 6 months later when the War was over. A few years later, Mom and Dad moved to Vancouver, then in 1964 to Ladner, where they raised their four children.
Mom and Dad loved to camp in their trailer and were able to do so well into their 80s. Mom volunteered at the Delta Hospital Auxiliary for over 50 years and also loved to knit, read, swim, garden, travel, and play Crib and Bridge. She was especially proud of getting her Driver's License at age 65.
The family will have a gathering to celebrate Mom's life, which will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Delta Hospital Auxiliary.
Mom was born in Aldershot, UK, on April 21, 1925, and was proud of the fact that she shared a birthday with Queen Elizabeth II. She joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENS) in 1942, although she had to lie about her age as she was too young. She was stationed in Portsmouth and on leave when she met Lt. Doug Matkin at a dance, and 6 weeks later, they were married.
She left the UK on a ship full of War Brides and landed at Halifax, NS. She then boarded a train across Canada and stayed with Dad's family in Waterton Lake, AB until he joined her 6 months later when the War was over. A few years later, Mom and Dad moved to Vancouver, then in 1964 to Ladner, where they raised their four children.
Mom and Dad loved to camp in their trailer and were able to do so well into their 80s. Mom volunteered at the Delta Hospital Auxiliary for over 50 years and also loved to knit, read, swim, garden, travel, and play Crib and Bridge. She was especially proud of getting her Driver's License at age 65.
The family will have a gathering to celebrate Mom's life, which will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Delta Hospital Auxiliary.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Published by Delta Optimist from Dec. 4, 2025 to Jan. 3, 2026.
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