DR. MAILA J. GABRIEL

With much love we mourn the passing of Maila on April 29, 2024, age 54. She is survived by her husband, Randy Matthes; daughter, Leah Matthes; mother, Teresita Valach; and stepbrothers Michael Valach and Martin Valach, along with beloved family and friends.

Maila was predeceased by her father, Rolando (Rolly) Gabriel (1984), and stepfather, Roman Valach (2014).

Maila was less than three years old when her family emigrated from the Philippines to Canada in 1972. They settled in Winnipeg’s North End, where Maila attended Holy Ghost School. Among the fellow Filipino friends that became as close as family in those early years, Adrienne Castro was just as a younger sister to Maila. Throughout her childhood, Maila’s mother Tessie, her father Rolly, and later, her stepfather Roman enveloped Adrienne with their love and support. 

In junior and high school, Maila flourished at St. Mary’s Academy (SMA), taking the opportunity not only to learn but to enrich the school experience for herself and her classmates. Editor of The Spark, social planner, and chess club founder were among the many SMA hats she wore. Her friends from SMA remember Maila’s kindness and compassion, but also her sense of fun and adventure. 

Many friendships blossomed for Maila at SMA, none closer and more enduring than with Franeli Yadao. They made each other brave to try new things and they encouraged one another to be their best selves. In school and over the years, Fran’s friendship was ever a comfort to Maila.

Maila continued her education at the University of Manitoba (BSc ’91, Honours Biochemistry) and at St Paul’s College. Once again, she found a fantastic group of fellow students who became lifelong friends. While at St. Paul’s College, Maila continued to contribute to school community as Editor of The Paulinian and as Vice Stick. 

Maila achieved her Doctor of Medicine in 1996 at the University of Manitoba and embarked on a career in family medicine. Her full-time practice at Clinique St-Boniface Clinic included not only adult care but obstetrics as well. More than one newborn was named Maila in her honour, and dozens of now 20-30 year olds were delivered by her capable and loving hands.

As a busy doctor in the times before smartphones, Maila relied on her pager. One evening in early December 2001, it showed an unfamiliar phone number. She returned the call. It was “the guy” her friend wanted Maila to meet. Randy. The two of them talked for a couple of hours that night, met in person for the first time just before Christmas, and became a couple, much to the delight of their family and friends.

Maila and Randy married in 2004. They merged their tastes and put on big family dinners. They travelled New York City, San Francisco, Key West, Montreal, the Maritimes, and the Rockies. 

And in 2010 their world got a whole lot sweeter with the arrival of their baby daughter Leah. Maila was a devoted mom, always there for Leah. 

Maila could bake the smoothest cheesecake, crochet the coziest wool blanket, and play Chopin on the piano. She made everyday things beautiful. But her greatest talent was surely anticipating the needs of her family, friends, and patients. 

As a family doctor, she considered it a privilege to help those in her care. She was excited to resume practice in a new position starting in June.

You’re in our hearts forever, Maila.

A special thank you to the Medical Intensive Care Unit staff at Health Sciences Centre for their care and compassion.

A funeral mass will take place Friday, May 10, 11:00 a.m. at St. John Brebeuf Church, 1707 John Brebeuf Place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Heart and Stroke Foundation, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation, or Health Sciences Centre Foundation. 

A celebration of Maila’s life will take place on Thursday, June 20, 2 pm – 4 pm, at 603 Wellington Cr. at Academy Road (the Unitarian Church). Please RSVP to rmatt9@shaw.ca.

Maila’s family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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