Flora Jean Cameron Matthews (nee Gilchrist) 1928-2014
Jean Matthews – devoted wife, mother, daughter and sister; Olympic figure skating judge; teacher; arbiter of style and design; and cheerful good friend – died suddenly at her home in Tottenham, Ontario on October 8, 2014. Jean was born in Toronto to James and Jean Gordon Gilchrist, the youngest sister of Christina, Gordon, Donald and Morag. She was educated at Brown School, Harbord Collegiate, University of Toronto (Trinity College) and Queen’s University. She spent two years in Paris studying at L’Institut d’Etudes Politiques, where she developed her love for fine food, good conversation and all that the world had to offer. She reluctantly returned to Toronto in 1953 and began work at a stockbroker’s office with a view to earning her way back to Europe. She was diverted, however, by John Matthews, a dashing Australian doctoral student, who whisked her off to the snows of Winnipeg. It was there that Jean started her family and became the loving and nurturing mother she continued to be for the rest of her life.
The family moved to Kingston in 1962 where Jean rekindled her love of figure skating. She became an accomplished judge who was known for her skill, fairness, and integrity. She approached each competition with a mix of excitement and apprehension, whether it was a Pre-Novice B club event, or the ‘Battle of the Brians’ at the 1988 Olympics. In recognition of her accomplishments, Jean was invited to judge numerous International, Worlds and Olympic events and, in 2004, was inducted into the Kingston Sports Hall of Fame.
In addition to her judging, Jean found time to obtain her B.Ed., embark on a teaching career, and take care of her family. She loved a good party, and knew how to host one, as generations of Queen’s students and faculty can attest. John’s death in 1996 was a difficult blow, as was her son Peter’s in 2005. Jean lost her best friend and sister Morag in 2012 but her overriding optimism and good nature saw her through, as she very much enjoyed her last years living in her ancestral home in Tottenham. Jean leaves behind her children Rosalie and Christopher (Liz); her daughter-in-law Sharon; brother Donald (Christiane); seven grandchildren, Anne (Nathan) and Jane, Cameron and Miles, Emily, Katie and Jack; two great grandchildren, Aiden and Madeleine; and nieces and nephew, Nancy Ann, Donald (Jeanne) and Jean Gilchrist. The family thank Edna Mundiguing for her care and support over the past year.
A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on Wednesday, October 15th at 11:00am at Trinity College Chapel, University of Toronto, 6 Hoskin Avenue. Donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Class of 5T0 bursary at Trinity College are appreciated.
Edna mundiguing says
My deepest sympathy to the Matthews and Gilchrist family for the unexpected death of Jean. She was enjoying the last year tremendously. She was a fabulous lady to look after with a lot of knowledge and ideas to talk with. She taught me so many things and I shared with her all the new forms of technology which she enjoyed. I am just her caregiver but I treat her like my parents and best friend, so I will miss her greatly. I know that you missed your son because on the night you passed, you went upstairs to get his picture. So, I’m sure you will be happy to celebrate your birthday with them.I pray that God will give comfort to your family and may you rest in peace. We will all miss you a lot.
judy meyer says
I was Jean’s foot care nurse for 1 year.She was an elegant, smart, astute,articulate woman.We discussed many items.I will miss her smile, her fast come backs, and the love of life she showed.