Anna Matwijenko-Jaz

It is with profound sadness that the family of Anne Jaz announces her passing on December 15 at the age 74 after a short but courageous battle with ALS.

Anne initially aspired to enter the medical field, but due to her young age when she graduated high school, she instead became a teacher where she found her calling and lifelong passion for education.  After graduating from Loyola college in Montreal, she started her teaching career at St Gabriel's, her childhood elementary school.

Anne's passion for education blossomed as she eventually moved into a role as a resource teacher. Her unwavering dedication helped numerous students overcome learning disabilities and reach their full reading potential. Anne delighted in the many thanks from the countless students whose lives were changed because of her persistence and hard work. She was proud to know that these children were able to continue in the education system, and even succeed in a profession post-secondary.

Even after retiring, Anne's commitment to education did not wane. She continued her legacy by volunteering at her school, extending her helping hand to children in need. When her granddaughter Monica was diagnosed with dyslexia in grade 2, Anne didn't hesitate to put her highway driving anxiety aside to drive across town multiple times a week for three years to lay the foundation for Monica's reading skills.

Anne's selflessness extended to her other grandchildren as she established "little school," devoting countless hours to teach them reading, math and of course cursive writing. Even as ALS took hold of her body and silenced her speech, Anne persisted in her mission to equip her grandchildren with the basics for academic success.

A sad day came in October when Anne, grappling with the effects of ALS, realized she could no longer continue "little school." However, the warmth in her heart came from the knowledge that Monica, whom she had guided through her reading challenges, was now applying to university programs in grade 12.

Outside of education, Anne was passionate about cooking (many have enjoyed her famous mushroom sauce at Ukrainian night), gardening, shopping, and in retirement Caribbean cruises with her loving husband Mike where they always looked forward to the next journey.

Anne leaves behind her loving husband Mike of 53 years, son Anthony and wife Cynthia, son Nicholas and wife Beth, eleven grandchildren (Nicole, Monica, Chantal, Isaac, Charlotte, Claire, Iris, Dominic, Lucas, Christian, and James), sister Olga, sister-in-law Mary and her family, brother-in-law Ihor and numerous friends and relatives.

Faith, church, family and friends carried Anne and Mike through their battle. They are forever grateful for the prayers, visits, calls, gifts and thoughts that have helped to shoulder their burden. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. Brodeur, Nurse Jackie Hunt, Dr Hebert and the staff at St Vincent's Hospital for their palliative care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please give hugs to all your loved ones and friends.  If you wish to make a donation, please donate to ALS Canada - www.als.ca to help fight this terrible disease, St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine - www.stjbshrine.ca, or any charity of your choice.

Visitation will take place at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Ave, Ottawa on Sunday January 7 at 2-4pm and 7-9pm.

Family and friends are invited to the Service at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine,

952 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa on January 8 at 11am followed by a reception with food.

Please RSVP anne.funeral@gmail.com by January 4 for food planning purposes at the reception.