Obituary of Nora Dorothy Foulds Matkowski

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Foulds Matkowski on January 8, 2024. Nora was predeceased by her first husband, Norman Foulds; and three sons, Larry, Keith and Vern; and by her second husband, Lawrence Matkowski. She is survived by daughters, Sharon Jarymy (Denny), Diane Doyle (Doug), Janice Haldorson, Kathy Nakhleh and Carol Martens (Henry); daughter-in-law, Karen Foulds (Larry); as well as grandchildren, Darryl, Kathryn, Louann, Michael, Matthew, Tyler, Jenna, Jacob, Jonathan, Chris and Kitiara; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Carter, Brayden and Grayson; step-daughters, Donna Millis, Debbie Zerebesky, Danita Miller (Dick); step-son, Dean Matkowski (Charlene); foster son, Sidney Burns; and their families.

Nora was born to Albert and Neltje (Nellie) Squire in Edam, Saskatchewan on July 12, 1931. Her early years were spent on the family farm until the family moved to Edam. She met and later married Norman Foulds on April 3, 1951 and lived on a farm in Langmeade, Saskatchewan for a few years until moving to Saskatoon with their four children. In time the family expanded to eight children and then expanded again as they opened the family home to foster children for many years. When that chapter of her life closed Nora worked as a cleaner at the Kelsey Institute until her retirement. The passing of her first husband Norman in 1996 left a void in her life but she was blessed in later years with finding love again with Lawrence Matkowski. They married in 2001 and lived in Wakaw until his passing in 2007. She then returned to Saskatoon for her final years.

Nora was a quiet, kind, generous, loving woman. Always giving to others. Her door was open to friends and family and the multitudes of friends of her children. She was famous for her homemade donuts and cinnamon rolls which disappeared like magic whenever teenagers appeared. She was a talented seamstress and needleworker – her quilts, crocheted and knitted items, cross-stitched wall hangings and tablecloths are deeply valued by everyone fortunate enough to have received them. She was an avid reader of western novels and enjoyed listening to “old style” country music. But, above all else, she valued her families and loved them unconditionally. She will be remembered with great love and respect for her kindness and warmth.

As per Nora’s wishes, a private Graveside Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, she requested that, if anyone so wishes, donations be made to Autism Services of Saskatoon or to a cancer research organization.