Retiring Milverton teacher leaves lasting legacy after 30-year career

Mrs. Carolyn Mathieson is pictured at Milverton Public School following her retirement from teaching after 30 years in Stratford and Perth County. In her honour, the Mathieson family has committed to supporting the school’s lunch and snack program through the donation of hard-boiled eggs. Mathieson taught grades 1 and 2 at Milverton Public School for 26 years. Milverton Public School principal Don Rauser photo

By Gary West

The name Mathieson is well known and highly respected throughout Stratford and Perth County, and in education circles, it is often associated with longtime Milverton teacher Carolyn Mathieson.

As Mrs. Mathieson begins her retirement following a 30-year career in education, former students, parents and grandparents alike describe her as “the best teacher they ever had.” For 26 of those years, Mathieson taught grades 1 and 2 at Milverton Public School, where she became known for her patience, dedication and genuine care for her students’ wellbeing.

In recognition of her retirement, the Mathieson family has chosen a tribute that reflects her lifelong commitment to children. Through conversations with her husband, former Stratford mayor Dan Mathieson, the family learned about the hard-boiled egg program offered to Perth County schools by local egg farmers. The program provides students with a nutritious source of protein to support learning and healthy development.

The family decided to sponsor the program at Milverton Public School in Carolyn Mathieson’s honour, ensuring students continue to receive healthy snacks in the years ahead. When she learned of the plan, Carolyn Mathieson said she was thankful and deeply appreciative of having her teaching career recognized in such a meaningful way.

She said she believes students need proper nutrition to succeed in the classroom, noting that healthy lunches and snacks are essential for focus and learning. The hard-boiled eggs are delivered regularly to Perth County schools in individual packs by local egg farmers.

Education runs deep in Carolyn Mathieson’s family. Her late father, David Wright, spent 30 years as a teacher and principal at Northwestern Secondary School (now Stratford District Secondary School), Mitchell District High School and Central Secondary School (now Stratford Intermediate School). During his career, Wright also led science and physical education departments. He passed away in January 2011. Carolyn Mathieson’s mother, Gail, now lives in retirement at McCarthy Place in Stratford.

Carolyn and Dan Mathieson’s two children, Kaitlyn and Riley, also live locally. Riley, a golf coach at Western University, works with his father’s company, Ronocco-Pestell Agri, after graduating from Western. Kaitlyn is completing her studies at Western University in London.

Though retired from the classroom, many residents may still see Carolyn Mathieson working part time at Revel Café in Stratford when time permits.