It is with profound sadness that we announce we lost our beloved Rieneke Marie Mattie of Antigonish on April 13th, 2024, at 43 years old. Rieneke died in her home, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Born December 20th, 1980, she was the second of her three siblings to be born. She was a proud big sister - something she took to heart. Over the years, her role as a big sister became profound - always encouraging, kind, supportive, loving, and fun with her siblings. She truly embodied what it meant to be a family’s cornerstone.
Through her beautiful, bright eyes and radiant, genuine smile, Rieneke embraced adventure with open arms. She was always game on to do anything at a moment’s notice. After marrying her soulmate, Jerry, in 2012, together they welcomed two beautiful children - Jack Arthur in 2013, and Andi Lee in 2016. From then on, the family travelled across Canada from Fort McMurray, Alberta, to Whitby, Ontario, to eventually settling in Antigonish, Nova Scotia where Jerry and Rieneke surrounded themselves with close family and friends. Jerry and Rieneke shared countless adventures together from motorbike trips, long road trips, skidoo trips, trips to warm destinations, and relaxing summer days spent at the cottage in Lochaber, cherishing every moment at the lake together.
Rieneke's adventurous soul was matched by her deep devotion to family as she was the heartbeat of her family. As a mother, nothing made her prouder than her two children as she was ever-present at her children's sporting events, always cheering the loudest and offering the warmest hugs after a game well played. Her children were her world and she was so patient and gentle with them. The courage and grace she carried throughout her illness spoke to the way she was. Steadfast in making sure her children maintained normalcy throughout her illness, she made sure to not let anything get in the way, nurturing every minute she had with them, right down to the last moment. She loved them with all her heart and will definitely be guiding them as they grow through the years.
Rieneke's vibrant spirit and boundless energy brightened the lives of all who knew her. She loved her friends, and she had many. She knew how to make anyone feel at home and was always welcoming to friends, old and new. We will miss our dinner dates and get togethers, and forever share a laugh and raise our glass in her honour.
She was the kindest, funnest soul you will ever meet; it will be hard to imagine a life without Rieneke.
She is survived by her husband Jerry, whom she adored; children, Jack and Andi; mother, Carol Wilkie (Cash MacDonald), Mahoney’s Beach; father, George Bowie, Afton; brother, George (Lindsey) Bowie, North Grant; sisters, Angelica (Adam) Laybolt, Lanark; Nikita Bowie (Daniel Teasdale), North Grant; mother-in-law, Alice Mattie, Bayfield; brothers-in-law, Jamie (Nicole) and Johnny; her nieces and nephews, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Rieneke leaves behind a legacy of love and memories with her husband, children, siblings, family, and large circle of friends. Her ability to light up any room and her unwavering support for her friends and family will be deeply missed.
She was predeceased by paternal grandparents Martin and Sadie Bowie, maternal grandparents Elwood and Lucy Wilkie, father-in-law Wayne, brother-in-law Jody, and sister-in-law Jana.
Rieneke's family invites friends and loved ones to join them in celebrating her life. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 18th from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral will be held Friday at 11:00am, at St. Peter’s Church, Tracadie. The funeral will be recorded and made available on the funeral home website later that afternoon.
We would like to thank the Palliative Care Team, Chemo Unit, VON, Oncology Team, especially Dr. Emily Rice and Pam Morrow, the staff at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, and Nova Scotia Health Authority for their compassionate care given to Rieneke during her time of illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Rieneke’s memory, supporting a cause she held so dear to her heart, to the Cancer Resource Room (Cathy’s Place - St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation ). Online condolences at www.clcurry.com.
As we remember Rieneke, we hold onto the image of her bright smile, her laughter, and the profound love she had for her family. Her spirit will forever guide us, inspire us, and remind us of the beauty of living life to the fullest.