It is with profoundly heavy and aching hearts that our family announces the passing our precious girl, Penny Alora May Matthews, on the morning of Friday September 18, 2026 at Princess Margaret Cancer Center in Toronto, with family and her cherished service dog by her side. She was 24 years old. Penny was the beloved daughter of Cindy Matthews and Jack Nicholsen, and cherished sister to her brothers Jackson Matthews and Tristan Leis. She is lovingly remembered by her grandparents Tom and Mary Matthews and Renate Leis, her Aunts Laura and Elizabeth Matthews, her aunt and uncle Jennifer and Brad Noakes, her cousin Gracie Matthews, her Godmother Ishbel Buchan, and her big-hearted and devoted fiancee Udayveer Singh Dhillon.
Penny’s light shone brightly on the lives it touched. The strength, courage, and relentless sense of humour she had met her cancer prognosis with inspired all who witnessed her fight. An intelligent and creative problem solver, she was a loyal and caring friend with a tenacious love for nature and all of it’s creatures, especially big cats, wolves and her two adopted huskies Kybo and Whiteout. She will be missed dearly by all who were close to her.
Cremation has taken place and a private celebration of Penny’s love and light will be held at a later date. Interment will take place at Prospect Cemetery in Toronto. If desired, memorial donations to the husky rescue organization “Smart Rescue” (https://smartrescue.ca/support-us) would be appreciated by the family.
Our heartfelt thanks to Ontario Health at Home, PEACH and all who contributed to Penny’s care and wellbeing throughout her extremely difficult struggles.
If desired, memorial donations to Smart Rescue would be appreciated by the family.
