Eleanor Doreen Bertha Matheson

Celebrating the Life of
Eleanor Doreen Bertha Matheson nee Hill
November 10, 1930 - January 3, 2026

It is with sadness and gratitude for a life well lived that we announce the passing of Eleanor Doreen Bertha Matheson on January 3, 2026, at the age of 95.

Doreen was born in Steen, Saskatchewan, at the family homestead to John and Bertha (Umpherville) Hill. She grew up in a loving home that her father built, with 5 brothers, Fred, John, Frank, Ernest, Gordon, and 1 sister, Marjorie. Doreen's early days were filled with wonderful memories of her caring, close-knit family and community. She and her family had many fun gatherings that centered around lively music, board games, picnics, and dances. Doreen's father, John, passed away when she was 8 years of age. Since education was a top priority, Doreen's mother Bertha, and Doreen moved to Sherridon, Manitoba after Doreen completed Grade eight, so that Doreen could continue her studies. Doreen and Bertha quickly settled into the community of Sherridon and Doreen made many lifelong friendships there. In 1947, Doreen moved to Prince Albert to attend Prince Albert Collegiate Institute to complete her Grade 12.

 Doreen was accepted into the School of Nursing, Saskatoon City Hospital in 1949. She had a successful career as a Registered Nurse. Her profession was the perfect fit for her qualities of caring, leadership, and strength. She exceled as a nurse, working in Kitchener-Waterloo Health Centre, Los Angeles, California, Saskatoon Cancer Centre, Prince Albert Sanitorium, and Holy Family Hospital, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan as the Director of Staff Development and Infection Control. She absolutely loved all her jobs everywhere she worked and thrived with all the challenges and adventures. Her positive attitude of optimism and kindness was felt by all the patients' lives she touched. She gave wholeheartedly of herself for her patients, and they were forever grateful for her grace and compassion. 

 Doreen married the love of her life and soul-mate Fred on March 27, 1959, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Together they built a long and meaningful life, grounded in love, partnership, and family. They were married for 65 wonderful years.

 Doreen's greatest achievement was raising her 4 beloved children. Her passion for her beautiful family was inspiring. She made it a top priority to have as much quality time with her children as possible as each child grew up, nurturing all their unique talents and abilities. Doreen encouraged their educational pursuits and was always proud to say that all her children went on to achieve post secondary educations. Doreen made her children feel like they could accomplish anything they set their hearts on. Her unconditional love and support were a constant source of strength and comfort. 

 Doreen and Fred shared a deep love for Prince Albert National Park and purchased a cabin there in 1970. It became a cherished gathering place-full of laughter, stories, and memories made with family and friends enjoying their favorite outdoor pursuits of golfing, boating, and picnicking. Doreen loved playing in the Ladies' Lobstick Golf Tournament and was the recipient of two Hole-in-1 Awards.

 Skiing was a significant activity that Doreen and her family participated in together throughout her children's teenage years and into adulthood. They traveled as a family on ski trips every winter to Jasper, Banff, Kimberley, Fernie, Big White, and White Fish, Montana. The ski trip highlight of her life was a two-week trip that Doreen and Fred made to Zell am See, Austria with close friends. 

 Over the years Doreen loved to keep in touch with her nursing friends, who were like sisters to her. They had frequent reunions, meeting in destinations all over the country to reconnect and have fun. Doreen also enjoyed socializing with her friends through Beta Sigma Phi, Book Clubs, Bridge, Golf, and Curling. Doreen served in her community through her volunteer work in her church and the Canadian Cancer Society.

 Doreen's retirement years were filled with visits to see her children and grandchildren, and trips to Palm Springs, Ca., Parksville, B.C., and Victoria, B.C. Doreen and Fred moved to Saskatoon in 2010 to be closer to their children and grandchildren. A project Doreen took on during her retirement years was researching her family history, since she had a deep interest in her family history. The process was an adventure she truly enjoyed.

Doreen was predeceased by her beloved husband Fred. She is lovingly survived by her children Susan (the late Glenn), Janice (Todd), John (Maureen), and Bob (Robbin); her grandchildren Kyle (Stephanie), April (Jeremy), Ashley (Joel), Eric, Hilary (Ross), Elliott (Codie), Morgan (Jesse), and Christine (Patrick); and her great-grandchildren Andrew, Davis, Beckett, Cooper, Emmett, Caden, and Claudia.

 Doreen was a lady of elegance and grace, with a deep love for her family and friends, and active in her church - her legacy will live on through her precious family and friends and all the lives she touched.

 The family extends their sincere thanks to the staff at Porteous Lodge, Grace Westminster United Church, and to Doreen's healthcare providers for their compassionate care, warmth, and kindness.

 A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Westminster United Church, 505 10th Street East, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, a charity close to Doreen's heart.