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CAROL MATTHEWS Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for CAROL MATTHEWS
10 Entries
Cheryl Bancroft
February 10, 2026
Hello dear Alison and Charlotte, I've found it hard to let go of Carol, as I'm sure that you have too. It's taken me this long to write because letting her go makes her death too real. She was a fearless force, always leading the way for us to follow. Even in death, choosing a path that she foresaw and implemented. Carol and I became good friends though her love of forests, always looking for ways to protect these diminishing ecosystems. We shared grief of love lost, and joy of our continued purpose. I miss Carol deeply. She was my mentor, friend and an emotional rock that we often balanced between us. Family was everything to Carol, and she particularly loved and admired both of you. You will always have her with you.
Sonnet L'Abbé
January 28, 2026
Very saddened to hear of Carol's passing. When I moved to Nanaimo, Carol was one of the first members of Nanaimo's literary community to welcome me. I was immediately taken in by her generosity and curiosity. As I learned more about the depth of her intellect and her long list of accomplishments, I began to really admire her grace and down-to-earthness. I feel lucky to have met her.
Nicky Anderton
January 13, 2026
I was so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Carol Matthews. She touched the lives of so many people with her kindness and generosity of spirit. I know she provided so much comfort to me at a time when the world felt incredibly difficult.
I hope you find comfort in the love that surrounds you. Carol´s legacy lives on in the countless ways she made the world a better place. Wishing you peace and gentle days ahead.
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Sandra Thomson
January 6, 2026
Dear Allison and Charlotte - When I moved to Nanaimo in 1990 Carol was one of the first women I met - and she introduced me to all the other women that would help get The Port Theatre built. She asked me to conduct fundraising and development workshops for Nanaimo Family Life, for the Nanaimo Youth Services Assoc., The Nanamo Women's Centre, Haven Society and later on Wildwood. She served on the board of The Port Theatre Society for 6 years during the transtion time when I was General Manager and then when Bruce Halliday became General Manager. Her sage advice, community connections and diligence to the task at hand had a very major impact at an important time in the organizations development. She will always be fondly remembered as a good friend and wise woman. Much love to you and all your family. Sandra Thomson, former GM The Port Theatre Society
Jennifer Fraser
January 6, 2026
My life was entwined with Carol's before I had the good fortune to meet her in person and be in the LFC writing group with her. My late mother, Janet Fraser, and her late brother, Ken Dobell were colleagues and great friends.
As noted in her obituary, for Carol "symbols held more value than material things." When her husband Mike died, she grieved deeply and shared with us at LFC a poem by Dante Gabriel Rossetti whose final stanzas conveyed the power of symbols to her in a time of great loss:
My eyes, wide open, had the run
Of some ten weeds to fix upon;
Among those few, out of the sun,
The woodspurge flower'd, three cups in one.
From perfect grief there need not be
Wisdom or even memory:
One thing then learnt remains to me,-
The woodspurge has a cup of three.
My mother was a gardener and she secured a pot of woodspurge for me to bring to Carol. It was one of those moments when Carol's face beamed like when she spoke of her brothers or her daughter or Charlotte or the nieces and nephews, son-in-law and the trees she loved and advocated to save.
Not only did I flourish in LFC with Carol's wit and wisdom, learning from her ability to craft stories and memories, evoke places and people, she also mentored me and supported me as I went through some challenging times. She was like a fairy godmother, always ready to pull out the wand of empathy, ethics, and rich lived experience that informed her devotion to community and the planet.
I, along with many others, will very much miss her.
Julie Grimaldi
January 4, 2026
Oh my, I am so shocked to read this news. Alison, your mother was such an amazing person, though I'm sure you know this better than I do. I was just thinking last night to plan a trip west to see her. Carol was special to me in so many ways, and knowing she was there warmed my thoughts every single day. She often mentioned you and Charlotte in the most loving ways. The world was a better place with her in it. I pray you'll find peace in your grief.
Ann Beamish
December 31, 2025
Carol Matthews was truly larger than life touching more people in Nanaimo than anyone I know. So many characteristics but what stands out as well as standing her ground was her caring and kindness. Truly one if a kind.
Jackie Clabon
December 30, 2025
My deepest sympathies dear Alison and Charlotte. She was many things to many people but always treasured you in thought and deed. Your biggest fan and talked so often of your times together.
I did not know Carol as long as most but it was a privilege and a pleasure. She was formidable and fierce and loving and kind, all wrapped into one. We will all miss the quick wit, the theatrical turn of phrase and the wisdom of her words. Truly one of a kind. She will be missed!
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