Irene Mathyssen Dies at 75 After Cancer Battle in London

Irene Mathyssen, a former New Democratic Party member of Parliament who represented London-Fanshawe in Ontario, died at her home on Monday at age 75 after battling cancer, her family confirmed. Her death ends a political career that began in 1990 and included nearly three decades of public service at the provincial and federal levels.

Mathyssen died surrounded by family members, including her husband, Keith, and daughter Lindsay, according to a family spokesperson. She was known for advocating human rights, education, health care and veterans' issues, family friend Nadine Abi Raad said.

Lindsay Mathyssen, who succeeded her mother as the federal representative for London-Fanshawe, paid tribute to her mother's influence in a written statement released Tuesday.

"My mom was so much more than a mother," Lindsay Mathyssen wrote. "She was someone I looked up to, someone who helped guide me through life, and someone whose strength and determination inspired me in ways words can never fully express."

Lindsay Mathyssen also emphasized her mother's commitment to public service and the causes she championed. The younger Mathyssen entered Parliament after winning the London-Fanshawe seat in the 2019 federal election.

"She believed that our responsibility is to leave this world a better place than we found it," Lindsay Mathyssen wrote. "That belief is part of her legacy, and I will do my best to honour it throughout my life."

Mathyssen began her career as an elementary school teacher before entering provincial politics. She won election as the member of provincial Parliament for Middlesex in 1990 and served until 1995, when Progressive Conservative Bruce Smith defeated her, according to the reports published by CBC News and Yahoo News.

In 2006, Mathyssen entered federal politics by winning the London-Fanshawe riding. She secured re-election three times before retiring from federal office in 2019, ending her tenure in the House of Commons after 13 years.

Her daughter subsequently won the same seat in 2019 and retained it in 2021. Lindsay Mathyssen lost the riding to Conservative Kurt Holman in the 2025 federal election.

Abi Raad described Mathyssen as a dedicated advocate whose work extended beyond electoral politics. She highlighted the former lawmaker's support for several public services and her impact on the local community.

"Irene was not an ordinary woman or politician," Abi Raad said. "She was a fierce advocate for human rights, for education, for health care, for veterans. She has changed so many lives.

She was very loved, very well regarded and respected. She left a special touch on all of us."

Abi Raad also emphasized Mathyssen's willingness to speak up for people facing disadvantage. Her account of Mathyssen's work reflected the causes that had shaped the former legislator's public life.

"Irene had a lot of courage, she spoke out," Abi Raad said. "She was a voice for those who didn't have a voice. She fought for the most vulnerable people in the community."

Details of a celebration of life for Mathyssen are expected to be announced in the coming days, according to her family.