Obituary of Iris Matsalla

Obituary – Iris Jane Matsalla nee Chocorlan

March 1, 1944 – October 4, 2024

The family of Iris Matsalla of Yorkton, beloved wife of the late Tony Matsalla, sadly announces her passing on October 4, 2024.  Iris was 80 years of age.

Iris was born on the family farm, southwest of Sheho, to Metro and Annie (Derkach) Chocorlan. She was the youngest of 3 children and was raised on the family farm. Iris went to the Pororlowetz School from 1950 – 1958. She took her grade 9 in Sheho and Grades 10 and 11 in Foam Lake.

After Iris finished high school she moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she gained employment at the Grey Nuns Hospital. While in Winnipeg she fell in love and got married in 1962 and was blessed with 3 beautiful daughters: Mavis in 1964, April in 1966 and Cheryl in 1967. Later in 1967 the marriage came to an end and Iris was left to raise the girls alone with the help of her parents, brother and sister-in-law. This is when Iris decided to go back to school and take her C.N.A. course.

Iris took her C.N.A. training in 1969-1970 in Saskatoon. Upon completing her C.N.A course, Iris started her employment at the Yorkton Regional Health Center on April 20, 1970. She flourished taking care of her patients and building so many great friendships. Iris worked on almost every ward in the hospital during her 30 years of service.  She would always talk about the Doctors, nurses who she worked with in high regards. She just recently joined some of the retired nurses for breakfast at Grumpy’s. She will always be remembered for her laughter and smile.

On May 5, 1973, she married the love of her life, Tony Matsalla, and with the three girls they became a family.  In 1975, Douglas was born and in 1978, Elizabeth followed to complete the family.  Iris was so proud of her children and grandchildren and bragged about them often.  She loved it when they came to visit and was also happy when they left.  She would put the frozen perogies on the table and you knew there wasn’t much time to stick around before the perogies started to thaw.

Iris loved playing cards, dancing, gardening, bowling, cooking, volunteering and spending time with family and friends.  She made the most amazing pickles, and everyone would fight over the carrots when they were in the jar.  Those perogies were like gold, we couldn’t wait for mom to visit and bring her famous perogies.  She spent many hours cheering in the stands while she watched her children and grandchildren compete in sports.  She loved her meetings and gatherings at the Royal Canadian Legion in Yorkton.  She enjoyed coffee dates with friends and especially loved it when her family came to visit.  Many games of Five Crowns, 3 Spot and Canasta were played on that kitchen table.

Iris retired at the age of 60 from the Yorkton Regional Hospital.  She cared for many people in her 30 years of working in the health care industry.  Right to the last day, she respected her fellow health care professionals, knowing they all did their best to provide care and keep their patients comfortable.  Outside of work, she spent many hours volunteering.  In her younger years, she helped with Liz’s gymnastics club, Doug’s hockey teams and more recently with the Royal Canadian Legion. Her involvement with the Terrier’s Hockey Club was also valued.  If she was able to help and volunteer in her community, she was always willing, and you could count on her to show up.

She leaves to mourn her five children; Mavis Lutz and partner Susan, April and Rick Stadnek (Johnathan & Anna), Cheryl and partner Cary (Lauren), Douglas Matsalla and partner Lisa (Carter & Emma) and Elizabeth and Steve Schmidt (Bennet, Kade and Ryden); sister-in-law Sylvia Chocorlan and many nieces and nephews.

Iris was predeceased by her loving husband Tony of 51 years on August 10, 2024, her father Metro, her mother Annie, her; brother Mike and sister Bella Stetch, nephew Danny Stetch and her dear daughter-in-law Leanne Matsalla.

A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, Yorkton, Saskatchewan with Doreen Day, Certified Celebrant officiating. Mavis Lutz and Cheryl Matsalla delivered the eulogy. Adelle Sherring  accompanied  by Glen Leson sang "Can I Have This Dance. Honourary urn bearers were Iris's many nieces and nephews. She was loved by many. The interment followed in the Garden of Memories, Yorkton Memorial Gardens, with Elizabeth Schmidt serving as urn bearer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #77 as gifts of remembrance.