Laureen Janet Matheson

MATHESON, Laureen Janet (Petch)
Laureen was taken from us too soon at the age of 74 after a brief but brave battle with cancer. Most who knew her were shocked that such a vibrant, active and seemingly healthy person like her could be taken so quickly. Her family and friends have a big hole in their lives that will be impossible to fill.
She was predeceased by her parents Ken and Elin (Egilsson) Petch and sister Linda Cowling. She is survived by husband Blair, daughter Dana and MacDougall, her adored pet Havanese. Among an extended family consisting of many nieces and nephews she was particularly close to her brother-in-law Deryck and niece Allison and family.
Laureen spent most of her life in Victoria and graduated from Mount Douglas High School in 1969. After a hitch hiking adventure in Europe she tried her hand at University but dropped out after the first day. Schooling just wasn't her cup of tea. So off to work she went and eventually landed a position in the provincial government where she spent the next 35 years. Her work ethic and contribution to the workplace was recognized in 2002 when she received the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal. She never did share why she was specifically singled out for the honour and said jokingly that it was probably a mistake.
In retirement she took on volunteering with a passion. She spent 18 years with Saanich Volunteer Services Society delivering thousands of clients to appointments, shopping or social events. In typical Laureen fashion, many of her clients became long term friends and when asking for a drive would ask specifically for her.
She took passionately to travel. Together with Blair, and occasionally Dana, she travelled the world and enjoyed every trip she took. Her ultimate goal was a trip to Africa which was booked in 2024 but ultimately cancelled due to her cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, Dana was able to go on the safari and share her experience before Laureen passed.
The first thing many people noticed about Laureen was her beautiful hair. The second was how kind she was. It was remarkable in how she made others feel while in her presence. She was rarely the centre of attention but rather deflected conversations to others, talking about their family and interests because she was genuinely interested in their lives. Given her humility, sense of humour and thoughtfulness it's not surprising that over her lifetime she developed an enormous number of very close friends. And she accumulated groups of girlfriends that constantly kept in touch including her 'Dog Friends', 'Those 80's Girls', 'The Rumoli Girls' and of course the 'Ya-Ya's'. All of these groups will feel a huge loss without the lovely Laureen.
Blair and Dana were incredibly fortunate to have such an amazing wife and mother for as long as they did. Because of her warmth and caring, their little family was an extremely happy, calm and supportive environment to live and grow in. She would have it no other way.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Cancer Clinic and the Royal Jubilee Hospital for their kindness and professionalism. She was attended to by many doctors, nurses and support staff over her brief illness and the kindness and concern all of them showed was comforting to her. A special thanks to Dr. Ty and Dr. Lakkunarajah for the incredible care they provided Laureen.
Laureen had a wonderful life because she made it that way. The expression 'you get what you deserve' applies in her case. She was surrounded by loving friends and family because that's what she gave. And she had gorgeous hair.
Please no flowers. If so inclined, please consider a donation to BC Cancer or another charity of your choice. A memorial will be scheduled early in the New Year.
To visit Laureen's tribute page at
First Memorial please go to https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/12564746