Verda Ann Matson (nee Johnston), beloved wife of Marlowe Matson of Calgary, AB slipped home to Jesus early March 1, 2021 at age 85.
Verda was born to Dosh and Dorothy Johnston on November 22, 1935 in Eston, SK. An only child born to a farming family, Verda loved tea parties with her dolls and her best pal, Sport. When she was 10 years old she was thrilled when baby brother, Lorne Johnston, was added to the family.
Verda met her husband, Marlowe Matson when he came to Eston from Fosston, Minnesota to attend Full Gospel Bible School in 1952. They married on June 15, 1954 and moved to Seattle, WA where their first child, Marla, was born. In 1958 the couple returned to Eston to farm and went on to have 5 more children, Cheryl, Charles (Chuck), Philip, Harvey and Dwight.
In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Verda also loved the Lord and loved people. All people! She held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. Verda played piano and accordion and was blessed with a rich alto voice which she blended with Marlowe’s tenor to record 2 records and worship. Together Verda and Marlowe travelled on mission trips twice to River State in Nigeria and to Quito, Ecuador.
Verda joins her parents, Dosh and Dorothy Johnston, son Chuck, Grand-daughter Heather and Great Grand-daughter Kiya Jade in Heaven. She is survived by her brother, Lorne (Louvain, Lisa, Neil, Jenna, Kalei, Kale) Johnston of Eston; Daughters Marla McLean (Michael Keller), Cheryl (Ron) Quist and Elaine (Chuck) Matson of Calgary; Sons Philip and Dwight (Sheila) Matson of Calgary and Harvey (Stephanie) Matson of Abbottsford, BC; Grandchildren Patrick, Matthew, Wendy, Candice, Christa, Kimberley, Dorothy, Jenelle, Tia, Tiffany, Kirsten, Carley, Ole, Erin, Larissa, Samantha, Kurtis, Kyle, who all knew Grandma and were loved greatly by her. Verda is also survived by Great-Grandchildren Hannah, James, Kristian, Dylan, Conner, Carter, Dakota, Victoria, Kiera, Emery, Ethan, Kalista, Tula, Maverick, Kai, Parker, Jessa, Piper, Marshall, Kole, Avery, Halen, Oliver, Alexander, Jacob, Nico, Brooklyn, Milo, Ace, Elena, Charlie and, Aria. They all know and love their sweet, fun-loving GG!
There are also many people that Verda met and immediately adopted into the family. If you met her, she probably prayed for you. If you were hungry she would feed you. She was gracious to the core and knew no prejudice.
Her favorite verses were Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation of every one that believes”; Romans 12:1 “I beseech you therefore by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service”; and 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Due to the current restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, the family has chosen to delay a memorial service until Verda’s any close friends can join with her family to celebrate her life together. More information regarding Verda’s celebration of life will be forthcoming as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
It was Verda’s wish that in leu of flowers, a contribution can be made to The Canadian Lung Association or The Mustard Seed .
A Celebration of Verda's Life will be held on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Bethany Chapel of Calgary (3333 Richardson Way SW, Calgary, AB). Refreshments and a time of fellowship to follow.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Verda please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.