School Profile

The Story of Mattie McCullough

Mattie Louise McCullough was born on Dec 10, 1909 in Fort MacLeod, Alberta. She was a brilliant, talented, generous woman who had many passions.  She had a passion for Education and for Learning and for helping out in her community. When she was only ten years old, she advanced all the way to Grade 8 and by Grade 11 she began her path to a career in education and many other jobs!  Mattie received her teaching certificate at the young age of 17 and that she went back to finish Grade 12 at the age of 35! She did many things in her long full filled life including having our school named after her! In 1929 Mattie married Ron McCullough Together they had three children; Donna, Ronald Jr. and Robert.  After several moves due to Ron’s work as a superintendent and principal for over 25 years, they settled in Red Deer on a ranch where they raised cattle and their kids started school. Mattie got busy straight away with all of her volunteering and community service. Their homeland was where The Kerrywood Nature Center stands today! Not only was Mattie a mother, a wife, and later on a Grandmother and Great grandmother, but she was also involved in dozens of associations, boards, foundations and organizations. Mattie’s first teaching job was in Vulcan, Alberta. Mattie loved education so much she even attended University at the age of 86 years old where she took a French class and a Science class! Now that's following your passion! Mattie and her husband Ron raised Aberdeen Angus cattle on their ranch right here in Red Deer and Mattie was a member of the Canadian Aberdeen Angus Association  This was also one of her passions! Mattie even volunteered in a library!  She started volunteering in libraries in 1950 and she did that for many, many years because she loved reading and wanted everyone to have the opportunity to discover everything that books have to offer. She was also on a committee that taught library skills to librarians in schools! Mattie was recognized for many of her achievements in life She was awarded the Order of Canada award. It honors Canadian people for outstanding achievement and service to their country! She was thrilled to receive this very special award! Mattie was an amazing woman and we are all lucky to be at this amazing school together!  She worked very hard her whole life and was very proud of to call Red Deer her home. She was passionate and followed her dreams her entire life. You can see why they chose her to name this school! Mattie passed away when she was 92 years old. She was surrounded by loved ones and passed quietly with a smile on her face. We can all work hard every day to make good choices and follow our passions and let our kindness show, just like Mattie did!