Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family by her side on Monday, October 12, 2026, at the age of 75. Beloved wife of Keith Mathyssen for 52 years. Cherished mother of Lindsay Mathyssen, former Member of Parliament for London-Fanshawe and cherished mother-in-law of Joel Bowen. Dear sister of Marie Verdon, Matthew Williams and Vincent Williams. Fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, extended family, friends, and community. Predeceased by her parents, Betty and Vince Williams.
Irene dedicated her life to serving her community and her country. She began her career as a teacher, helping generations of youth in London. She later chose to step forward into public service and serve politically. She was a fierce and staunch advocate for social justice, human rights, veterans, seniors, women, people living with disabilities, and all those who needed a voice.
Irene’s compassion, strength and unwavering commitment to others touched countless lives. She will be remembered with love and gratitude by so many and missed every day.
With heartfelt thanks, the family extends their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and entire team at the Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre at London Health Sciences Centre for their compassionate care and support of Irene and her family.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations to London Health Sciences Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 6 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Grand Bend, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $3/km (one way travel only).
I had the privilege to serve with Irene in the House of Commons. She was a fierce defender of women’s rights and cared deeply for her community. My condolences to Lindsay, Keith and family.
Jean Crowder
I have been a constituent of London-Fanshawe for 25 years – I was shocked to learn that Ms. Mathyssen had passed away. Although we never spoke face to face, I really appreciated and enjoyed reading her updates and knowing that she was representing our area in Parliament. I have the most respect for her dedication to public service, and for doing everything she could to help our area, which is often neglected. Thank you so much for your time and service, and I hope you rest well, Ms. Mathyssen.
My condolences to the Mathyssen family. Thank you for sharing her with our community.
C est avec tristesse que j’ai appris le décès d Irène , que j ai eu la chance de connaître et la coutoyer .
C était une femme très gentille et unique.
Toutes mes condoléances à sa famille et repose toi Irène en paix.
As a constituent I have never seen a representative more often in the community than Irene Mathyssen. She came to my door more than once as an MP, and also one time supporting her daughter’s campaign who succeeded her. I saw Irene at community events, rallies and at the grocery store. She was everywhere the same accessible and caring human being, whether on official duty or not. She served our community with heart and all of her experience, which she masterfully passed on to her daughter Lindsay. She has earned her rest but will be dearly missed.
Céline
London-Fanshawe constituent
A great loss to Keith, Lindsay, family and to Canada. Irene and I served together in Queen’s Park and the H of C – and I can testify that she was a political force to be reckoned with!
Yes, fairly quiet and reserved – until riled. Then watch out!
Irene was also such a wonderful caucus friend & colleague – in caucus, cabinet and both Houses! Always a team player, always stepping up and always putting her constituents first.
RIP Irene, a job so well done and a life so well lived. Thank you.
My deepest condolences on the loss of Irene. Her passion for representing her community was evident in her years of service. It was an honour to serve with her in Canada’s Parliament.
I am a former MP (2015-2019), it was an honor for me to be her colleague and I offer my sincere condolences to the whole family.
Keith, Lindsay and families, our deepest condolences. She was a force of nature. She and Keith always brought a smile to Andree’s and my face at NDP gatherings. But her steely determination to help and protect the most vulnerable will be her much deserved legacy.
I would like to thank Irene’s family for sharing her with all of us.She was a remarkable person and representative.My condolences to all her family and friends
Peter Stoffer
Windsor Junction N S
Oh my goodness. Irene was a colleague of mine during 2015 Parliament. As a newbie she was kind and generous – was feisty and had lots of grace and generosity for those of us learning the ropes.
Lindsay thinking of you and your family at this sad time. Take care and know many are thinking of you and our time with your mom.
So sorry to hear of Irene’s passing. I served in the House of Commons with her between 2006 and 2019. We were both “first elected” in 2006. We shared committee time on the Status of Women and (as it was called then) later on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development. Although we were in different parties, she was always very kind and engaging as a parliamentary colleague, friend and advocate for her community of London-Fanshawe. It was always a privilege to recognize Irene during debate in the House of Commons. I will never forget her.
To Keith, Lindsay and Joel, and all of Irene’s family, please accept Heather’s and my deepest condolences.
I met Irene as a MP (2011-2915) and I remember her as a sweet, polite and dedicated human being. Someone I will remember forever.
I offer my deepest condolescenses to all of the family.
Will be Dearly missed by all Cheryl and Daniel Roach.
It is with deep sadness that we extend our heartfelt condolences to Keith, Lyndsay, and all of Irene’s family and friends on the passing of our beloved Irene.
Irene played a profoundly important role in both our personal lives and our business journey through the NDP and Sciencetech. Her compassion, wisdom, and unwavering support during times when we needed her guidance most will never be forgotten.
We will always remember her strength and determination in advocating for small and medium-sized businesses like ours, particularly in standing against federal government policies that posed challenges to our sector. Her dedication, courage, and commitment made a lasting difference to many, including our own company.
Irene’s legacy will live on in our hearts, and we will remain forever grateful for her friendship, support, and the positive impact she had on our lives.
With our deepest sympathy and respect,
Lindsay and family:
The heart is never ready, the time is never right to say goodbye.
Thinking of you with deepest sympathy and hoping each new tomorrow will bring you comfort and peace.
I will miss her great hugs, which she offered openly each time we met.
I was sorry to learn of the death of Irene Mathyssen. Although we were political opponents I came to respect her political perseverance and determination.
My wife Evelyn and I send prayers for Irene, and offer prayers and sincere sympathies to her husband, Keith and daughter Lindsay at this time of grief. May she rest in peace.
Pat O’Brien, former M.P., London Fanshawe
I was a student of Mrs. Mathyssen’s at Sir Frederick Banting Secondary School before she became a Minister of Parliament. She was an excellent educator and a wonderful politician. Her door was always open to give me advice and feedback at school, and she continued this tradition as an MP! Canada needs more leaders like the amazing one you were Irene. Thank you so much for all of your efforts!
When Irene was around not a dark cloud could be seen. There was an all-encompassing kindness about Irene. Kindness with a steely resolve to do as much good as was humanely possible. Social justice issues were tackled with verve and commitment. To know Irene was to know what the best in people is all about. The world has lost a truly wonderful person. Thankfully, Irene’s remarkable qualities were instilled in her daughter Lindsay.
Keith, Lindsay and your families are in our thoughts and prayers as you have lost a truly loved Irene. She will be missed by you and many others.
My deepest condolences to Irene’s family. My wife and I voted not only NDP, but even more so for Irene, as she was such an outstanding person. She was a very devoted MP and MPP. She deeply cared for her constituents. To help in her campaign elections was a great honor. We got to know Lindsay as well, who too was an outstanding MP, just like her mother! Irene will be greatly missed, but in consolation, provided a great legacy of a wonderful role model of what it is to provide great public service.
May she RIP! My condolences go out to Keith Mathyssen, Lindsay Mathyssen, and Joel Bowen. She’ll be sorrily missed around London. Her true spirit will live on in the lives of London-Fanshawe forever!