It is with heavy hearts that the family of Marita Matson announce her passing at age 88 on Saturday December 20, 2025 at Southbridge Roseview Manor.
Marita was born on August 31st , 1937 to Victor and Selina Erickson in Port Arthur. Living in McIntyre Township (now Thunder Bay), Marita started her elementary school education in a one room school house with 8 grades and then on to Port Arthur collegiate for 5 years. During these years she decided to go to North Bay Teachers college where she earned her teaching Certificate in 1967. She became an accomplished primary education and special education teacher. She loved teaching and treated all her pupils/students as if they were members of her own family.
In 1959 Marita married James Matson and from 1960 to 1969 had 3 sons. During this time Marita continued to supply teach so she could spend valuable time and raise their sons during their early years.
In the mid 70’s, Marita continued her education through Lakehead University and the Ministry of Education. During that time Marita obtained her Special Education Parts 1 and 2 ( 1980 & 1981), Specialist in Education (1982), Bachelor of Arts ( 1989), Bachelor of Education (1989) and her Primary Education Specialist (1990). Marita retired from teaching in 2000.
Marita cherished family life. She camped, fished and travelled with her husband and boys when they were young. Her home was always a welcoming place for extended family, neighbours and friends from afar….as the saying goes “the coffee pot was always on”. Celebrations were always hosted at their home as there was plenty of room for all.
Marita was also a creative knitter, crafter, artist and loved to sew and garden. The finished products were often gifted to family and friends.
In her leisure time Marita enjoyed reading, watching game shows or gazing out the window admiring the birds that frequented the bird houses (and the crows, ravens and squirrels who frightened them away) as well as many wild animals who fearlessly grazed in the fields behind their country home. Her cat Spunky was always nearby.
Marita spent her entire life living in “Thunder Bay” but experienced much of the world- at-large by touring in Canada and the United Statesand by cruising to places such as the Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Panama, Caribbean, Baltic and the Mediterranean. She also took several trips toDenmark, Finland and Sweden (the birthplace of her mother and father) to visit her extended family and learn more about her ancestry and heritage.
Marita was also a member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church,(previously Immanuel Lutheran Church) the Scandinavian Home Society and the Retired Teachers of Ontario.
Marita is survived by her husband James, her sons Darrell (Rozanne), Dwayne ( Leanne), Kevin and her sister Lillian Erickson. Marita is also survived by 9 grandchildren, Daniel (Gillian), Alicia, Colin (Bethany), Amanda, Kelti (Chris), Mitchell (Amber), Kaleb, Joshua, Celina and 8 great grandchildren, Laine, Finnley, Rowan, Sybil, Paisley, Charlie, Cohen and Chase. She is also survived by nieces Donna (Jim) Holm, Diana (Ray) Friske, Elaine (Brian) Thompson, Irene (Lorraine) Finley, nephew Allan Karsten (Donna) and their families as well as cousins in Finland and Sweden.
Marita is predeceased in Canada by her parents Victor and Selina, siblings Edmund Erickson and Agnes Lofgren, John and Elvi Matson (in-laws), Ellen and Doris (sisters-in-law), Olivia and Charlie Anderson (aunt and uncle), Carl Sundlin (cousin), Weikko Karsten and Allan Lofgren (brothers-in-law). Marita is also predeceased by relatives in Sweden and Finland.
The family would like to thank her Doctors and Nurses, the staff at Roseview Manor for their care and support, Pastor Diegel for his spiritual support and to her sister Lillian Erickson. The family is forever grateful to Lillian for her unwavering commitment to Marita’s well-being during her stay at Roseview.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 13, 2026 at Sargent & Son, 21 N. Court Street with a luncheon to follow. A grave side service will take place at Riverside Cemetery in the spring of 2026.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Marita can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay (www.alzheimer.ca), Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church (10 Farrand St Thunder Bay, ON P7A 3H5) or a charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.sargentandson.com.
