It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Dianne Alice Matson (née Jorgenson) on September 12, 2024, at the age of 73 years, with family by her side. We found solace in the sight of a single Angel’s trumpet blooming in her garden on the day of her passing. Dianne was born in Port Arthur, Ontario, to Maria and Arvid Jorgenson.
Dianne had a long and fulfilling career as an educator, working at many schools across the city. She was actively involved in numerous musical productions in the public schools and dedicated much of her time to supporting the Thunder Bay Children’s Chorus. As a teenager, Dianne made a notable impact as President of the student council at Hammarskjold High School, where she organized a performance by the Guess Who at a school dance. Her passions included reading, writing, and spending summers with her family at Birch Beach. A card and Scrabble enthusiast, she cherished the many hours spent playing these games with dear friends and her daughter.
An avid gardener and lifelong learner, Dianne continued her studies after retirement and served as an accredited pastor, officiating weddings and funerals. She volunteered extensively, including as the fearless leader of the Redwood Park Church Food Bank, on the Board of Directors of the RFDA, and in kindergarten classrooms. Her guidance and mentorship touched many in the community. In recent years, she developed a deep interest in genealogy and travelled to Iceland with her family in June 2023.
Dianne is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, David; her daughter, Lana (Philip); her grandchildren, and lifelong friends Diane and Lois. She is also survived by her sisters Nora (Duncan) and Julie (Gary); her stepsiblings Sylvia, Reg, and Bruce; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Maria and Arvid Jorgenson, her stepmother Hazel, her in-laws Dave and Violet Matson, and her son Lee.
Cremation has taken place. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, September 23, 2024 at Redwood Park Church. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Dianne's memory to the Regional Food Distribution Association of Northwestern Ontario (RFDA). Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
