Matilda (nee Robinson) Pearce

Born at Cold Waters (Bathaxs) in Wya, near Clo-oose, BC on October 4, 1946. (Although before her Mother passed away, she told her it was 1947.) Matilda passed away unexpectedly on July 11, 2023 at West Coast General Hospital Port Alberni BC.

Matilda went by many names; She was Born Max-wii, named after her Auntie Max-wii. Her name was changed to Matilda because settlers could not speak her Ditidaht Language. Matilda was also called Lady, Mom, Mum, Gramma, Sister, Auntie, Tilda and Tilly.

Matilda's early childhood years were spent freely on the beaches and waters of her Home Lands with many fond memories of her Father Mac Robinson before she was taken away to Residential School. When she was old enough, Matilda would babysit for her siblings. On an 'in town' visit with her sister, Matilda met Thomas S. Pearce. In her words she described seeing Tom for the first time and "he was holding up buildings" or leaning against them in the style of a 'Greaser' if you could imagine. It wasn't long after they met when Matilda and Tom were married in St. Andrews Church on 4574 Elizabeth St. in Alberni. The church is now the Bare Bones Fish House on Johnston Rd. Soon after they married Matilda had her first Daughter and Namesake Sharon Matilda. Three years later she had her first Son Thomas, then Tammy was born eleven months after him. One year following, her last child Wayne 'Teddy' (the baby) was born.

Matilda worked a few different jobs outside of the home but, most of her work was providing care and comforts for four children and her husband. After her children were grown and moved out, Matilda got her driver's license in her 50's. She drove her husband all over Vancouver Island for work and short getaways. In their travels Matilda collected Seashells, Rocks and Pebbles as her Soul ached for her place of 'Home.' She would say "I should have been a Mermaid." Matilda also loved to dance and enjoyed many genres of music including Classic Rock, Pop music, Country music, Rock N Roll and yes Hard Rock like Metallica. Matilda recently learned through Ancestry.ca that she is a distant relative of Abraham Lincoln through her father's lineage.

Matilda was the strongest woman we knew. Her strength showed in how she raised her four children; by finding creative ways to haul four of us to the grocery stores, laundromats and parks for picnics and more.

She survived the atrocities of the Alberni Indian Residential School. Matilda survived a car accident that fractured her 12th vertebrae. She survived two heart attacks and a previous burst brain aneurysm. Sadly, she did not survive her second burst brain aneurysm. 'Not this time Mum.'

Every person who has spoken to us about our Mother has said the same things. She was very kind, never complained or spoke harsh words, she always had a Beautiful Smile on her face. We are going to miss her very much...

We Love You So Much Mum. See You Next Time.

Matilda is predeceased by her husband Thomas S. Pearce. Her parents Mac and Mary Robinson. Siblings: Edna McClurg (Marvin), Josephine Kuhnley (Bill), Gordon W. Robinson (Doreen),

Margie Peter (Chester), Sally Peter (Sandoval) and Samson Robinson.

Matilda is Survived by her Children: Daughter Sharon M. Pearce (Robb) Second Grandchild Mykel T. Schwindt, Son Thomas C. Pearce, Daughter Tammy L. Pearce and First Grandchild Danielle C. Pearce, Third Grandchild Brianna M. Pearce, Fourth Grandchild Kody C.D. Pearce. Son Wayne 'Teddy' E. Pearce. Siblings: Marion Gallic (Richard), Francis Tate (David) and Rose Robinson (Arthur).

“As per Matilda’s request there will be no service.”