Esther Joan (Purdy) Matthews - Welland, Ontario, formerly of Truro, passed away peacefully in her 94th year, in Welland, Ontario on the evening of June 29, 2018.

Survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Arnold McCully Matthews; son, Ronald Matthews (Wendy); grandson, Shawn Bradley (Shelley); granddaughter, Katlee Matthews; great grandson, Jack Bradley. Greeted at the gates of heaven by her late daughter, Judith; parents, Charles and Annabelle Purdy; siblings, Ruth, Helen, Edward, Margaret, Charlotte, Jean.

Born and raised in Truro, Esther and her sister, Margaret decided to take a week long trip to Welland, Ontario in 1949; when she found out the hourly rate as a Secretary at Atlas Steels in Ontario, they decided to stay. Luckily enough, they met two handsome young men from Debert who were working at John Deere in Welland and the rest was history.

Esther enjoyed golfing, curling, writing poems, painting, playing cards with friends, and visiting Barbados in January with her husband and friends for 25 years. In her late years she developed a spunk that was loved by all; her sass, sense of humour, and devotion to her family are some of the many traits she will be remembered by.

A graveside service will be held 3 p.m., Thursday, July 26, 2018, at Terrace Hill Cemetery, Truro, The Reverend Gary Yetman officiating. A celebration of Esther's life will follow at Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 106 Debert, 1252 Masstown Road, Debert. In lieu of flowers, donations to Diabetes Canada are welcomed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Esther’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com

 

GOING HOME

Another year has come and gone,

We’re on the road again,

Driving down the 401,

For a little spin.

 

The sun is shining high above,

The East Coast we're heading for,

We’re going home to see the folks,

Who could ask for more.

 

Here we are in Old Quebec,

Where they say "Bonjour",

The speed limit is 100 clicks,

But my chauffeur’s doing more.

 

It’s time to call it a day my dear,

At Presto- Lac we’ll stay,

We’re thankful that we made it safe,

And really enjoyed the day.

 

A beautiful day on 108,

Over the hills we go;

The swaying of the road and car,

Makes your body go to and fro.

 

Now we’re nearing Moncton,

Our trip will soon be o’er,

It sure will feel some nice,

To see the Fundy Shore.

 

Here in Debert with family and friends,

In Truro we’ll see a few more,

With time we have left, you can surely bet,

We’ll make the most of our tour.

 

For fifty years we’ve travelled this road,

We’ve seen changes over the years,

With added tolls and extra roads,

And we sometimes leave in tears.

 

Esther Purdy Matthews, July 1998