Gail Orpen

At Miramichi Lodge, Pembroke on November 26, 2025, Gail Orpen (nee Mattinson) of Deep River passed away peacefully at the age of 85 years. Gail was a scientist, activist and farmer, a loving wife of Colin Orpen of Deep River, a devoted mother of sons Philip of Deep River, Keith and his wife Katie and Derek and his wife Anna both of Toronto. Cherished grandmother of Noel, Miles, Oliver and Ryan. 

Gail was born in Springhill, Nova Scotia as the second youngest of five children, and her family sacrificed greatly to ensure she could attend Dalhousie university and pursue a career in biology, which brought her to Chalk River labs where she married Colin in 1965. While raising her family and working on the family farm, she also completed a PhD in Psychology at University of Toronto. Her work with the Stephen Lewis Foundation supported families in Africa who were torn apart by the AIDS crisis. By means of strawberry luncheons and other fundraising, she spent countless hours focusing attention and funds on this human tragedy, and brought the national newscast to Deep River to raise awareness. Her enthusiasm and endless resourcefulness were an inspiration to many.

We would like to recognize and thank the staff of the Miramichi Lodge for the excellent care they provided over the past three years, which supported Gail to live out her final months with dignity.

Gail is survived by her sister Sylvia Mattinson of Halifax, and predeceased by her brother Howard Mattinson and three sisters Eleanor Mosher, Shirley Mattinson and Marilyn White. Respecting Gail’s wishes cremation will take place. A Celebration of life will be held at the Christian Education Centre, Deep River Community Church on Tuesday, April 7 starting at 12 noon. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Valley Funeral Home, Deep River. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gail’s name to the Miramichi Lodge Foundation (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/miramichi-lodge-foundation-corp/), the Ottawa and Renfrew Dementia Society (dementiahelp.ca) or the Stephen Lewis Foundation (https://stephenlewisfoundation.org/).