Irene Mathyssen, longtime London NDP MP and 'fierce advocate for human rights,' dead at 75

Irene Mathyssen, longtime London NDP MP and 'fierce advocate for human rights,' dead at 75

Mathyssen's political career began in 1990 before she represented London-Fanshawe in Ottawa for 13 years

Irene Mathyssen, an NDP politician who represented London, Ont., at the provincial and federal levels in a political career spanning nearly three decades, has died. She was 75.

A spokesperson for Mathyssen's family confirmed she died Monday at her home after a battle with cancer, surrounded by family, including her husband, Keith, and daughter Lindsay.

Lindsay Mathyssen, who succeeded her mother as the MP for London-Fanshawe, called her mother an inspiration in a written statement shared Tuesday.

"My mom was so much more than a mother," she 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 said her mother was dedicated to public service and committed to the causes she believed in.

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

Family friend Nadine Abi Raad said Mathyssen leaves behind a significant political legacy.

"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 said Mathyssen entered politics after working as an elementary school teacher.

Mathyssen was elected as the MPP for Middlesex in 1990 and served 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, winning the riding of London-Fanshawe. She was re-elected three times before retiring from federal politics in 2019.

Her daughter succeeded her in the riding, winning election in 2019 and re-election in 2021. Lindsay Mathyssen lost her seat to Conservative Kurt Holman in the 2025 federal election.

NDP MP Irene Mathyssen announces retirement

Abi Raad said Mathyssen will be remembered for her commitment to social justice.

"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 about a celebration of life will be announced in the coming days.

Andrew Lupton is a reporter with CBC News in London, Ont., where he covers everything from courts to City Hall. He previously was with CBC Toronto. You can read his work online or listen to his stories on London Morning.