MATTHEWS (Rouse), Maude Anna - 88, Big Marsh, Inverness Co., passed away Tuesday, February 15, 2005, surrounded by her family, in Port Hawkesbury Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for the past five years. Born in River Denys, she was the daughter of the late Elsie Rouse. Maude was a member of Forbes United Church, River Denys and a lifetime member of the Forbes Church UCW. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, always appreciative of what was done for her, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of life and was most happy taking care of her family and spending time with a house full of family and friends. Those who visited her home were made most welcome and never left without an overflowing plate of baked goods and a cup of tea. She is survived by daughters, Geraldine MacFadyen, Florence Ellis, both of Big Marsh; Tena (Albert) Waters, Blues Mills; sons, Billy (Mae), River Denys; Earl (Nita), Whycocomagh; John (Sadie), Blues Mills; Gerald (Eileen), Calvin (Glenda), both of Big Marsh; 20 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Margaret Costa, Flo Hare, Marj Condie, Jerry Mawdsley, Louise Hanson; several nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by husband, Russell; a grandson and great-grandchildren, Ashley MacFadyen, Jonathon MacInnis; brother, Earl Allen; adopted sister, Florence (Kempt) Wade; son-in-law, Arthur MacFadyen. Visitation will be held 2-9 p.m. today in Dennis Haverstock Funeral Home, Whycocomagh. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday in Forbes United Church, River Denys, with Rev. Fraser MacDonald officiating assisted by Donna Tourneur. Burial will be in Upper River Denys Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Maude may be made to Forbes United Church. Words of comfort may be forwarded to the family at: www.haverstocks.com When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.