In memory of

Matina Chrones

March 3, 1932 -  August 10, 2017

MATINA CHRONES
1932 - 2017
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Matina who died suddenly at home on Thursday, August 10, 2017. Matina was born on March 3, 1932, in Swift Current, Saskatchewan.
She was predeceased by her parents Tom and Loula Prassas, her husband James Chrones and their daughter Julia Caren.
For the last decade Matina was the dearly loved partner and wife of Steve Simon with whom she shared a joyous life - enjoying the company of family and friends, going to opera, ballet, and symphony - a happy life together filled with love everyday.
She was the proud and loving mother of her three children - Eleni Smolen (David), Tom Chrones, and Dr. Jamie Chrones (Adele Weder) and her two wonderful granddaughters Julia and Natalie Weder. Matina will be greatly missed by her two devoted sisters - Koula O’Brien and Georgia Prassas together with her loving extended family including Maestro Giuseppe Macina, Dr. Yvonne Verbeeten, Reverend Kenneth Moy, Adam Sheikh and many other cherished friends.
Matina was an accomplished artist and teacher of art at West Humber Collegiate in Etobicoke before she retired. Long after her retirement Matina continued to encourage and mentor many of her students who remained an integral part of her life.
Matina completed her Masters of Fine Arts at the University of Saskatchewan and her Masters of Education at the University of Toronto. When she was honoured as Teacher of the Year she was described as “a selfless, generous and considerate human being who was a dedicated, devoted and conscientious teacher”. To recognize her contribution Matina was honoured by her family with a dedication of the Matina Chrones Gallery at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Matina will be remembered for her joyous love of life, her lifelong love of music, opera, art and all things beautiful. Matina radiated love and beauty and she touched the lives of so many. She will be missed by all who knew her. Respecting Matina’s wishes, a private cremation was held at the Mount Pleasant Crematorium. A Celebration of Life will be held in October. If desired, a memorial donation may be made to a charity of your choice.

Guestbook 

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George Mezo (Friend)

Entered August 18, 2017 from Windermere, Florida

Dear Steve and family
We are saddened by Matina's sudden passing.
Please accept our condolences.
George and Christina

Bryan Schilling (Student)

Entered August 19, 2017 from Toronto

My condolences to the family. I just wanted to share that Mrs. Chrones was a fantastic person as well as teacher. She was a mentor to me and a huge help in my getting my portfolio together to get into the School of Architecture at Ryerson. She was Kind, Caring and made everyone around her a better person and that is something I have always loved about her. I am sorry for your loss.

Shazeela Nabi (Student)

Entered August 19, 2017

My heartfelt condolences to all the family members on the loss of such a wonderful woman. Mrs. Chrones was an amazing teacher!! My thoughts are with you all.

Linda Guthrie (Paststudent)

Entered August 19, 2017 from Fergus Ont

Mrs. Chrones brought love for art in her classroom she made it come alive...Loved her as a teacher,she was Kind always had a smile and her encouragement and dedication as a teacher so it is with deep sadness you part and was glad you touched my life 1978 ....May your Family find Peace and as you paint the night sky in the many joyful ways you touched everyone that you met . Condolences to everyone who knew her.
Linda (Guthrie) Di Matteo

Julie Skene (Rae) (Former student from WHCI)

Entered August 19, 2017

Where to begin....Mrs Chrones was so much to so many people. You didn't need to even take an art credit to know and feel the passion in her teaching. She was the Mother of the school....everyone who attended West Humber could feel her nurturing, her guidance, her compassion and her passion the minute you walked past her classroom door. I never truly believed in my artistic ability but Mrs Chrones believed.... she was able to bring out the best abilities in her students. I draw and paint today as a hobby and every time I sit down looking at my blank piece paper or canvas I hear her voice guiding and explaining what to do along the way... too many years since high school have passed and I still can hear her say "you're done, that's magnificent". I didn't continue my education in art, I chose rather to follow my passion in Phys Ed. I know Mrs Chrones was upset with my choice but rather than try to influence my decision she supported me fully. After becoming a Phys Ed teacher I was constantly reminded of Mrs Chrones' teaching style... quiet, guiding, nurturing... I was influenced by Mrs Chrones everyday I was in my classroom trying to mimick her ways. She will and always will be "The Teacher of Every Year" for me. I write this with tears streaming down my face and my mind flooded with so many, too many memories of this great woman, teacher and Mother. Each and every beautiful sunset I see I will take comfort in knowing that Mrs Chrones is up there touching every cloud to create a daily masterpiece.
Thank you Mrs Chrones for believing and sharing your passion for teaching. My heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Rest In Peace.

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