Full Breakdown
Irene Mathyssen, veteran NDP lawmaker, dies after cancer battle
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Death and Family Announcement
A spokesperson for Irene Mathyssen’s family confirmed she died earlier this week at her home after a battle with cancer, surrounded by her husband Keith and daughter Lindsay.
Political Career Overview
Mathyssen began her public life as an elementary-school teacher before entering politics. She was elected Member of Provincial Parliament for Middlesex in 1990 and served until 1995, when Progressive Conservative Bruce Smith defeated her. In 2006 she won the federal riding of London-Fanshawe as a New Democratic Party (NDP) MP, was re-elected three times, and retired from federal politics in 2019. Her daughter, Lindsay Mathyssen, succeeded her in the riding in 2019, secured re-election in 2021, and lost the seat to Conservative Kurt Holman in the 2025 federal election.
Official Reflections
Lindsay Mathyssen described her mother as “more than a mother,” an inspiration whose strength and determination guided her life and whose commitment to social-justice causes will be honored by future generations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “She was someone I looked up to, someone who helped guide me through life, and someone whose strength and determination inspired me in ways words can never fully express.” — Lindsay Mathyssen, spokesperson
- “Irene was not an ordinary woman or politician,” — Abi Raad
- “She was a fierce advocate for human rights, for education, for health care, for veterans. She has changed so many lives. She was very loved, very well regarded and respected. She left a special touch on all of us.” — Abi Raad