Jean Rita "Gigi" Mathers

On June 29, 2013, after a short courageous battle with cancer, Jean Rita Mathers age 90, died peacefully at home in Halifax with her family by her side. Jean was born March 16, 1923, in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, the daughter of the late Neil and Cecelia MacDonald. She graduated from Mount Saint Vincent University in 1942. Jean was immediately employed with I.H. Mathers & Son as a secretary. It was there that she met and married the love of her life Evatt in 1946. They loved traveling the world together. Jean was very active in many charities and was a charter member of Canadian Martyrs Church, Inglis St. Halifax. Known to many as Gigi, she was a woman of exceptional virtue and generosity. Family was the most important thing to Gigi and she devoted her life to all of us. She is survived by daughters, Lynn Connor, Hubbards; Marlene (Ray) Dube, Timberlea; her grandchildren, Jenny Mathers (Gary), Sean Connor, Sarah Wheler (Brian), Kathy Bordeleau (Dereck), Johnny Connor, Jillian Dube, Heather and Hillary and great grandsons, Rory, Bryce, Jaxson and Atticus. She is survived by many nieces and nephews. Special thanks to Mary Nutt for her love and friendship throughout the years and especially during the last month. Jean was a grand lady whose humour, patience, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her especially her life-long friend, Elsie Flinn. Jean was predeceased by her husband, Evatt (1977) and her beloved son and grandson Evatt and Liam (2008). She is also predeceased by her sisters; Dorothy and Carmen and brothers; Aubrey, Hughie and Charlie. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. The family wishes to extend a sincere thank-you to the VON for their exceptional care. Funeral mass will be 2 pm Thursday July 4, 2013, in Canadian Martyrs Church, Inglis St. Halifax. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army or charity of your choice. To leave an online condolence please visit: www.cruikshankhalifaxfuneralhome.com.