MATHILDA CÔTÉ

MATHILDA CÔTÉ

1932 ~ 2026

Mathilda Madeline Côté beloved wife of Robert Felix Côté “Bob” of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the age of 94 years, after a short but courageous battle with cancer.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory, her husband Bob, her nine children, twenty-one grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; Gregory (Joan) of Irvine, and their two children, Celeste and Daniel (Don); David (Barbara) of Sherwood Park, and their three children, Erin and her son Ben; Jonathan (Rachel); Richard (Rachelle) and their children, Lucas and Joelle; Marilyn Côté-Dupuis (Joseph) of Edmonton, and their four children,

Marie-Josée Dupuis-Arsenault (David); Aline Dupuis-Gervais (Daniel) and their children, Félix, Théodore, Eloïse and Lucas; Paul (Lori) and Michèle (Paul); Paul (Cheryl Runge) of Regina, and three children, Ariel Cote(Rick) and their children Oliver and Anderson; Joel Cote and Taryn Runge; Elaine (Harry) of Costa Rica; Richard (Gale) of Cochrane and their four children, David (Lauren) and their son Cael; Greg; Valerie (Aidan) and Noelle (Liam); Marie Neys (Rodney) of Bowen Island, BC, and their three children, Russell (Nicola) and their children, Carys and Roland; Robert and Richard (Toshita) and their children, Rian and Rowen; Robert (Debbie) and their children, Stephanie (Mitch) and Mitchell; Vincent of Port Hope, ON; her sister, Margaret Giesinger and sister-in-law, Priscilla Gyorkos both of Medicine Hat. Mathilda was predeceased by her parents, Stephen and Mary Gyorkos; her three brothers, Stephen, Ignatius and Aloysius; her six sisters, Anne, Christina, Rose, Marie, Elizabeth and Martha.  Mathilda was born on January 29, 1932, in Medicine Hat, to parents Stephen & Mary (Marija Pivar) Gyorkos (Gjerkes).  Originally of Lipa, Slovenia, Stephen immigrated to Canada in 1927, and Mary joined him in 1929, to Medicine Hat where they opened a dry-cleaning and tailor business.  Mathilda was the fourth of eleven children and the second child to be born in Canada.  She excelled at school both in academics and sports.  Mathilda, our Mom, loved reading, had her favorite book of poetry, collected meaningful quotes and held them to heart.  Mom kept high marks in spite of frequently missing school to help her father with correspondence and clothing care in his dry-cleaning business.  She also worked with her mother cleaning the school.  Mom’s strong work ethic and giving spirit applied to every stage of her life; taking care of her nine children, managing a busy household, volunteering on committees, helping neighbours, and in her employment serving tables and ironing, or returning to her parents’ shop to help out.  Mom never ceased to bring generosity, joy, organizational skills and exactitude to each task.  Mathilda married Bob on July 28, 1951, truly one of the happiest days of her life. Bob built their first home in Medicine Hat and built an addition onto their present home, a beloved sanctuary for their family, for 56 years.  Mom had so very many years of active good health, sharp intellect, excellent memory and wonderful sense of humour.  Even mid 2026, Mom could recite birthdays and anniversaries of all of her family members and her descendants, numbering over 80 loved ones.  Family, guests and even perfect strangers found welcome and shelter in Mom and Dads’ home.  Both parents welcomed strangers in need who occasionally stayed the night or briefly boarded.  Their home was a beacon for us children who returned again and again with our spouses and growing families, always receiving a joyful, heartfelt welcome by Mom and Dad.  We were and are always “home” within its walls and within their welcoming arms.  Our Mom, Mathilda, was the voice and image of Love, Welcome, Kindness and Generosity.  She had an ever-present smile, charm, and wit.  When Mom was with you, she was intuitively attentive to your needs, to your stories, and to you.  In her presence, you felt cherished, welcomed and heard.  With her whole heart, Mom was there to listen; to help with her time, she offered love and patience.  We always remember her response to any situation or request as positive: acceptance, support, encouragement, and guidance; never detracting nor discouraging.  It is one of her many, many great gifts to her family, to our cousins, other relatives, neighbours, and to so many people she valued and loved to spend time with.  Our mother was a treasure and we cherish her greatly.  Her presence among us will be missed daily and forever.  However, her grace, her constant love, and her legacy is witnessed in the daily lives of her family, in all of us, and will live on through many generations.  Mathilda’s life of faith was very important to her, serving on CWL committees, and helping many families in need.  Faith was her anchor and she held a deep belief that God guided her actions and the principles by which she lived her life: listening attentively, generosity of spirit and of action, great compassion, and her belief in the resurrection held her strong.  We know she is in heaven, welcomed with open arms into God’s grace, as we have no doubt he wants her loving self with him in heaven.  In her lifetime she served many organizations including: the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) of St Patrick’s Church, Teen Aid (for single mothers in need), Pro Life, and also helped organize reunions of the Gyorkos Family.  Baking was just one of the ways she showed her love and service. She baked for many school, church and neighborhood events.  In fact, for many years she was the secret baker of the delicious, much favored cinnamon buns served weekly after Mass at the “Coffee & Chat” at St Patrick’s.  When it came to baking, Mom dealt out her love in chocolate chip cookies, brownies, apple pies, and so many other sweets and treats.  Our mother lived a truly remarkable life! A life of being fully invested in the love and generosity she offered to so very many of us. It is truly inspiring to be Mathilda’s son or daughter; to witness how beautifully she lived her life, loved and cherished each person who came within the warmth of her arms, the warmth of her smile and her generous spirit. No matter where she is within the stars, Mom, while being greatly missed, will continue to inspire us and will continue to warm our hearts with her life and love.  Those who wish to pay their respects may do so in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, July 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.   Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.  The funeral mass will be celebrated in the ST. PATRICK’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Paolo Cervantes celebrant.   Both the prayer service and funeral mass will be live streamed.  Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Mathilda’s obituary page on our website, for the link.  In lieu of flowers and due to allergies, the family would appreciate if donations were made to either Covenant House (covenanthouse.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate-now) or Alberta Cancer Foundation, (Provincial Office, 710 10123 99 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T5J 9Z9).  Interment will take place in the HILLSIDE CEMETERY.  To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2