1911 - 2010

Meryl Matthews passed away peacefully at Ponderosa Lodge on Saturday, November 13, 2010. She was known as the "Rose Lady" - gardener extraordinaire!
Meryl was a true "Kamloopsian" - born at the original Lorne Street Hospital ninety-nine years ago. (The new Royal Inland Hospital opened a year after her birth).

She was predeceased by her father Charles Wain, her mother Helen Beatrice, (Meryl was only three when her mother died) and her siblings Alfred, Arthur, Marjorie and Leona. The small family home was at 526 St. Paul Street. Her father was city superintendent in the early 1900's and her mother worked with untiring zeal throughout the mission days of the church helping to establish Kamloops United Church (formerly the Methodist Church). Meryl was the first baby baptized in the new church.

She is survived by her sister-in-law Olive Wain, her niece Helen Verhegge (Maurice) of Wetaskiwin and nephew Stuart Wain (Jean) and many great nieces and great nephews.

Meryl married Fred Matthews in 1948 and in his retirement they grew roses and gladioli and ran the MM Garden Shop downtown. Fred died in 1973. Meryl was also employed by the "Sentinel" newspaper for 30 years.
With no children of her own, Meryl dedicated herself to the City of Kamloops as a business owner, school trustee, City Alderman, South Central Union Board of Health, Royal Inland Hospital Board ... her greatest honour being the first female to be made Freeman of the City of Kamloops. She was the charter member of the Kamloops Garden Club and Soroptimist International of Kamloops.

A huge bouquet of thanks firstly to the Cariboo Manor staff and then to the Pine Grove staff who did an amazing job caring for Meryl and for also keeping the gardens at Pine Grove meticulously manicured. Flowers always brought Meryl much joy. Please remember Meryl when you visit her rose garden in Riverside Park.

A Celebration of Meryl's life will take place at Kamloops United Church on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to the K.U.C. (Kamloops United Church) Redevelopment Fund or the City Foundation for Replacement of roses at Riverside Park.

Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone 250-374-1454.