Family and Faith were everything

Matthew Brereton died March 18. He was 87. His daughters delivered the eulogy at the March 28 Funeral Mass at St Joseph RC Church, Mon Repos.

Matthew Brereton was born on June 9, 1938, to Clement and Paulina Brereton (deceased), and was the second of his six siblings: Veronica (deceased), Irvin (deceased), Sheila (deceased), Lenore and Ruby. He spent most of his adult life in St Julien Village, Princes Town.

He married Semona or ‘Ann’ as he fondly called her, and together they built a loving family. On May 14, 2026, they would have celebrated 65 years of marriage. He was the father of Anthoni, Deann, Junior, Denise, Lisa, Lynn and welcomed an additional daughter Marsha years later into his life and his home. Family was everything to him.

Matthew was a man of strength, kindness, and unwavering love. He believed in hard work, in helping others, and in living a life rooted in faith and purpose.

In his younger years, Matthew truly lived life to the fullest. He loved sports. He was a goalkeeper for the Juniors Football Team in San Fernando and played hockey for the South region. Those who knew him then would remember his energy, passion, and team spirit.

He began his career at Calenda’s Hardware and later served as an Estate Police Officer at Caroni Ltd in Usine, Ste Madeleine. Always striving to grow, he continued his studies and eventually moved to Caroni (1975) Ltd, Brechin Castle, Couva into the Accounts Department, and later the Marketing Department, where he retired.

During his time there, he formed a lunchtime prayer group and became a mentor to many, offering guidance, encouragement, and faith to those around him.

In 1968, Matthew and his family moved to Ste Madeleine, where he became deeply involved in the Roman Catholic Church. He served faithfully as a Lay Minister and Eucharistic Minister for many years at Mon Repos and Ste Madeleine. He also took on the responsibility of caretaker and helped maintain the Ste Madeleine church, always willing to serve in any way he could.

His spiritual journey continued with the Zion Prayer Group and Community, where he became a prayer group leader and later a member of the National Service Team. In this role, he coordinated prayer groups across the Southern Deanery, which included San Fernando. He also helped lead prayer groups at Mon Repos and Ste Madeleine and supported many others, preaching and sharing his faith whenever called upon.

During his time in the Service Team, he started the men’s group in Los Bajos, Palo Seco creating a space for fellowship, growth, and faith among men in the community.

Matthew was also blessed with opportunities to travel on pilgrimages. In 1978, he journeyed to England, Ireland, Lourdes, and Spain. His second pilgrimage took him to Betania. These experiences deepened his faith and strengthened his commitment to serving others.

He was an avid member of the St Vincent de Paul Society in San Fernando, doing what he could to help the poor in the parish. Together with his wife he also lived a Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend experience.

He also worked alongside Fr Leo Donovan (deceased) to help establish the first Full Gospel Businessmen movement in South Trinidad. This initiative brought together men of different denominations under one simple belief: “If you are for Jesus, you are my brother, give me your hand.” Through monthly gatherings, shared meals, and testimonies, they encouraged one another to grow spiritually and live out their faith. Matthew even travelled across the Caribbean and internationally to support and share in this mission.

He later served as the Vice Chairperson of the Charismatic Renewal, a role that allowed both him and his wife to visit many communities across Trinidad and abroad, building relationships with priests, Religious, and fellow believers.

After a mission trip to Antigua, Matthew fell ill and was no longer able to continue in these roles. Even so, his faith never wavered.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all who journeyed with him over the years, our beloved priests and friends who have gone before us: Fr Compton, Fr Donovan OP, Fr Brennan OP, Fr Benedict Peters, Fr Joyeau, Msgr Spence and Fr Ildefons OSB, Cuthbert and Daphne Mejias.

For those who were also on the journey: Fr John Theodore, Fr Wilfred John, Fr Ian Taylor, Fr Dwight Merrick, Fr Hyginus, Fr Paul, many of the deacons, Sister Deborah, Sister Mary, Sister Margaret, Zion Community, Living Water Community, the Men’s Group, friends and all the brothers and sisters who visited and prayed with him, we thank you deeply for your love and support.

We also extend special thanks to Ann Marie Bowrin who faithfully visited every Sunday to bring Holy Communion to him. Your dedication and care meant so much.

Matthew Brereton, thank you for every sacrifice you made, every lesson you taught, and every moment you spent guiding us. We are forever grateful for the love you gave and the memories we will cherish.

Though we feel the pain of losing you, we also celebrate the beautiful life you lived and the legacy you leave behind.

You will always be with us in our hearts, in our memories, and in the way we live our lives. Rest peacefully. We love you, and we will never forget you.