Maria Terezia Matton
1938 - 2022
Maria passed away peacefully in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on September 28, 2022 at the age of 84 after a long struggle with an illness that, unfortunately, proved to be incurable. She was taken care of by her husband, Milan, with the help of their daughters, Lea and Susanne for the last 14 years of her courageous life.
She was born Maria Terezia Koller on March 24, 1938, the eldest child of the late Alojz Koller and Terezia Gammelová. Maria is survived by her husband, Milan, and their children, Lea and Susanne (Dale); grandchildren - Bonita and Logan; siblings - Alojzia Šurková and Karl Koller; as well as nieces and a nephew.
Shortly after immigrating to Canada and settling in Edmonton, Maria, who loved working with children, began her beloved 27-year career at Belgravia Elementary School as a Kindergarten Aide (which Susanne attended the same year). She then became a Teacher’s Aide, and later added School Librarian to her list of accomplishments there. Maria also had a passion for nature, gardening, cooking and playing the piano.
It is Maria’s wish that no Funeral Services be held, and for her family and friends to enjoy a cherished memory in private.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations can be made to Edmonton’s Food Bank:
www.edmontonsfoodbank.com
To send condolences, please visit:
www.trinityfuneralhome.ca
Hi Mom… I’m remembering one of the last times we were chatting together and you were telling me a story a parent shared with you about one of your students. At the students’ home, someone was talking about antiques and the child asked what the word meant. Their parent explained that it meant something old and beautiful, along with other descriptors, but mainly old and beautiful. At that point, the child exclaimed, “Oh, like Mrs. Matton!”
I’ll be looking for your notebook that you kept with other quotes from children, and we can giggle together the next time we share a moment.
Love,
Susanne
I had the privilege of working with Maria for two years when I was principal of Belgravia School. She was a wonderful woman and educator.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
I remember meeting Maria when I was little and she first arrived in Canada. We spent many family moments together. I’m grateful you are at peace.
Maria and I worked together for many years. We had lovely conversations and laughed so much. I loved hearing her stories of first coming to Canada, and was amazed to learn that she lived in the same apartment building near the U of A that I lived in when I first left home.
Maria was full of grace, dignity and style. Never one to complain, she was such a valuable part of our school and the community. Countless children that came through the school benefitted tremendously from Maria’s kind and down-to-earth guidance.
We spoke often after her retirement, sadly those conversations became more and more infrequent as her illness progressed. Farewell Maria, I will never forget you.
I kindly remember Maria’s elegance, voice, and presence at Belgravia School when my children attended. For a couple of summers right after her retirement she would invite us into her backyard if she saw us walking down the road from her house. She would then regale me with many tips on how to remove stains from clothes, and gardening advice, a most welcome gesture from someone whose mother was far away. I will never forget her ‘savour faire.’ It is summer again, my children are no longer in town, they are living their adult lives, but I always remember those summers full of advice and kindness from Maria!