Holly Lynn Matthews, 60, of Whycocomagh, passed away at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney on Thursday, August 7, 2025, with her immediate family by her side. She was the daughter of the late Earl and Juanita (Austen) Matthews.

Holly was a member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Whycocomagh, where she was a former member of the choir, the Ladies Aid and an avid supporter of all fundraising events of the Church. She worked at Matheson’s Irving, then as a waitress at Norma’s Diner in Whycocomagh for several years. Holly completed a certified nursing assistant program in Dartmouth. She was employed at the R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home in Antigonish and the Northwood Manor in Halifax for many years. After returning to live in Whycocomagh, she again worked as a waitress at Vi’s Restaurant and Charlene’s Family Restaurant.

Holly was a very kind, dedicated and hard-working person who made many friends with the patients and customers she served. Even when faced with health challenges, she was determined to continue working. She loved her nightly chats and Facetime calls with her daughter and granddaughters, getting updates on her grandchildren’s school and sports activities. She also enjoyed her telephone calls with friends, especially Sharon and Leah. Holly loved her family and friends, hummingbirds and her furbaby family, Mutt and Jeft, Winnie and Gemma.

Holly is survived by her daughter, Tracy Lynn Davison (Nick), Plymouth, Nova Scotia; grandchildren and the absolute “brightest stars in her sky,” Breagh Nicole and Isobel Lynn Davison; brother, Fred Matthews (Carmen DeGruchy), Whycocomagh; uncles, Gerald (Eileen) Matthews, Calvin (Glenda) Matthews; aunts, Beckie Austen (late Brent) and Sadie (late John) Matthews; many cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, common-law life partner, Gary Nicholson; grandparents, Fred and Edith Austen, Russel and Maude Matthews; uncles, Brent Austen, Billy (Mae) Matthews, John Matthews; aunts, Gerry (Arthur) MacFadyen, Flo Ellis and Tena (Albert) Waters; many other special family members and friends.

Thank you to all the medical professionals who cared for Holly over the past few years. Special thanks to Dr. Jasmine Lowry, the staff of Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, the Oncology Department and the Emergency Room staff of Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Thank you, as well, to relatives, neighbours and friends who were so good to Holly throughout the years. She appreciated all that was done for her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at Dennis Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Whycocomagh. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 151 Main Street, Whycocomagh, at 11:00 am, with Rev. Peter MacDonald officiating. Burial will take place in Stewartdale Cemetery immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Stewartdale Cemetery or a charity of choice.

"In the hearts of those who loved you, you will always be there." – Orion Carloto.