Irene Mathyssen, an NDP politician who represented London, Ont., at the federal and provincial levels in an impressive political career that stretched back to 1990, has died. She was 75.
A spokesperson for Mathyssen’s family confirmed she died Monday after a battle with cancer.
That spokesperson said she died at her home surrounded by family, including her husband Keith and daughter Lindsay, who represented the same federal riding as her mother.
Family friend Nadine Abi Raad confirmed the news to CBC on Tuesday afternoon, saying Mathyssen leaves behind an impressive political legacy.
“Irene was not an ordinary woman or politician,” said Abi Raad. “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 said Mathyssen switched to politics after working as an elementary school teacher.
In 1990 she was elected as MPP in the riding of Middlesex, serving until 1995 when she was defeated by Progressive Conservative Bruce Smith.
Lindsay Mathyssen, right, in 2019 followed her mother Irene in representing the riding of London-Fanshawe. Irene Mathyssen died at home Monday after a battle with cancer. She was 75. (Kate Dubinski/CBC)
Mathyssen moved to federal politics in 2006 when she was elected MP in the federal riding of London-Fanshawe where she was re-elected three times before retiring in 2019.
Her daughter Lindsay Mathyssen represented the riding starting in 2019. She was re-elected in 2021 before losing in 2025 to Conservative Kurt Holman.
NDP MP Irene Mathyssen announces retirement
Abi Raad said Irene Mathyssen will be remembered for her firm commitment to social justice issues.
“Irene had a lot of courage, she spoke out,” said Abi Raad. “She was a voice for those who didn’t have a voice. She fought for the most vulnerable people in the community.”
Details about a celebration of life will be announced in the coming days.
