Obituary

On Sunday morning, July 20, 2025, our beautiful mother and family matriarch, Margaret Mary Lavina Matthews Sullivan, died as she lived, gently and filled with grace, at Arbour Trails in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, surrounded by the loving presence of her family. Margaret was the eldest child of Louis and Mary (Molly) Matthews of Mount Forest. She revelled in life with her brothers Lou (Mary Margaret), Jerry (Angela) and Bill (Fran). At 101 years, Margaret was the last surviving member of her generation. In 1952, Margaret met and soon married her beloved husband John (Jack) Sullivan (2002). His four sisters, Norma (Joe Cote and Joe Weadick), Helen, Irene (Jerry Haefling) and Jean, all embraced Margaret into their family. As well as being the “trail blazer” in her family, Margaret led the charge by example of being a strong and independent woman. She embraced the life of a farm woman following a career as the first Women’s Editor of the Guelph Daily Mercury. Margaret’s wise and gentle leadership marked her years of volunteer involvement with the Women’s Institute, Catholic Women’s League, 4-H, St. Joeseph’s Hospital, and the Guelph River Run Centre. Margaret and Jack had six children: Anne (Joe Vallentin 1992), Tim (2020), Mary Ellen and Jim Stewart, Pat and Linda Lacroix, Bill (Connie Heng 2000), Irene and Hugh John Smith. Once her children were in school, Margaret started a 22-year part-time career as a secretary at Bishop Macdonell High School, Guelph, where each of her children attended. She was beloved by staff and students. She took a genuine interest in everyone she met and was blessed with a delightful frequent laugh and an abundance of friends. Her youthful spirit endeared her to her grandchildren: Jacob, Joachim, Xanthe, Bethany and Jessica Vallentin; Lara Sullivan, Mary-Anne Hatrick, and Jason Sullivan; Evelyn Stewart; Peter and Sean Sullivan; and Caileigh Butler and Garrett Smith. She was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren. As Mom’s sight, mobility, and memory declined she adapted by engaging new people with her remarkable social graces. When asked, “How are you, Margaret?” her classic response was, “All the better for seeing you!”. Special thanks to John Heng who has been a dear friend and supported Mom and all our family for many years. Also special thanks to Dr. Kyrie Little, her long-time Family Physician and friend, Hushim Torres, the staff at Right at Home, Ontario Health at Home, and The Village of Arbour Trails. In lieu of flowers, consider instead honoring Margaret with donations to the Scott Mission Toronto, Hospice Wellington, Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, Guelph or a charity of your choice. Resting at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph, family received friends on Friday, July 25th, from 2 – 4pm and from 7 – 9pm. Vigil prayers for Margaret were held at 7pm on Friday, July 25th. A funeral Mass was celebrated at the Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, 28 Norfolk Street, Guelph, Ontario on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 11am. Immediately following the Mass, interment took place at Marymount Cemetery, Guelph.