50th Anniversary (1958-2008)

2008 is a special year for Edna M. Mather of Mather Insurance& Real Estate Ltd. She is celebrating 50 years as a business woman in the town of Arnprior.

On April 1, 1958, Edna Mather opened her own business in the town of Arnprior - Edna M. Mather Real Estate. A strong and independent woman, Mrs. Mather took on the responsibilities and the challenges of her new business with the confidence and energy that was needed to succeed in a mainly male dominated industry.

Not afraid of a challenge, Mrs. Mather expanded her business quickly. In 1959 she added insurance to her already growing company. Mrs. Mather had experience working in the insurance field as she had been employed for six years by Jim Mulvihill Sr. in his business. It seemed to be a natural addition for her to offer this product along with the Real Estate services.

Mrs. Mather, known as Edna to so many of her clients, was a very busy woman at that time in her life. Married and the mother of two daughters, she worked diligently to ensure that not only her family was well looked after, but her clients and staff had the best care that she could give. The decision to open her own business was not something that she had dreamed about. 'It was just something I thought I'd like to do; so I made a decision and stuck to it.' And stuck to it she has....for 50 years!

In 1970, Edna purchased The Tierney Insurance Agency and that is when her husband Oris joined the team. Edna continued with the real estate side of the business leaving Oris to concentrate on the insurance side. The business grew and they were able to acquire Renwick & Associates Insurance Inc in 1994.

A true testament on how small businesses grow, family and friend's support is a very important factor. Edna credits the support of her husband and family in making the business a success - along with endless hours of hard work from the brokers in her office. 'Insurance is not an easy business and there are many changes in the industry'. Real Estate ....'is also demanding on your personal time so it is important to make time for family whenever possible'.

Edna is very proud of her family and their accomplishments. Sally Mather is retired from the medical field but continues to contribute to those in need by offering her services to select clients near her home in Orillia. Sally's daughter Anne Yourt is a busy executive working out of Toronto.

Wendy Mather joined the Mather team in 1976 and eventually followed her father's interest in the insurance business. Wendy stated that she 'has worked every desk in the office. I was expected to learn the business the same way that Mom did and I really enjoyed working with my Dad'. Wendy has two daughters, Sarah Dunlop - who is a Real Estate Agent in Ottawa having started her career in her grandmother's office - and Stephanie Dunlop - who is pursuing her dreams and ambitions in Toronto. Wendy and her husband Greg Headrick take great pride in the girls' accomplishments.

Edna continued running the business after Oris passed away in 1995. Now that she is a little older, she has limited her duties and time at the office - but can still be seen there each day. Edna enjoys visiting with the customers who come into the office and there is usually lots of laughter, interest in family and great friendships re-established.

Edna is very proud of her staff and was pleased when Wendy assumed the responsibilities of the overall operations of the office and the insurance business. Colleen Colterman has been a valued employee for over 22 years and has been joined in the last couple of years by Julie Baird, Jo-Anne Camelon and former employee Brandy Mercier. Greg Townley is the Real Estate 'Broker of Record' at Mather Insurance & Real Estate Ltd. and has worked with Edna in the real estate business for over 20 years. Receptionist, Patty Goulette completes the office staff offering support to all and a friendly smile as she assists our customers.

...and that is what makes Edna Mather and Mather Insurance & Real Estate Ltd. such a success...... with 2008 marking 50 years in the Arnprior business community!

Please join us April 1st, 2008 from 11am to 4pm, for a piece of anniversary cake and a visit with Edna.