Ileen C. Mattson

Ileen Mattson, age 94, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 in Rio Rancho, NM. She was born Tuesday, December 23, 1924 in Duluth, MN.

Ileen had one brother, and enjoyed playing in the snow, ice skating, and other winter sports. She notes that at that time, kids were freer, and parents did not concern themselves about their children’s safety. After high school, she attended the University of Minnesota and majored in music and education.

Although she once considered a career in opera, meeting her future husband, Donald changed that. She and Donald were married for 67 years and raised five daughters who have given them eleven grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Ileen was always active in the various Presbyterian churches her husband pastured, and she also taught junior high and elementary school. Later she received a master’s in education and served as assistant principal in Tucson. They spent many years in Mountain Lake, MN and later with the Navajo, in Tuba City, AZ, and also in Tucson. Following retirement, she and Donald worked in the homeless community in Tucson for 15 years, ministering to many Vietnam veterans among the homeless population.

Ileen has no regrets regarding her life choices. She was married to a kind, wonderful man with a great sense of humor who dearly loved his family. Prior to their marriage, he was in the Army and was injured in Europe during World War II serving as a paratrooper. He received a purple heart as a result of those injuries. Together they lived an active productive life in which faith and family were always at the forefront. She notes that life can be hard and yet as difficult as parts were her family has given her great joy.

After their children were grown, they traveled to all the states except Alaska. She cared for her husband through his battle with Parkinson’s. Through difficult times, Ileen has retained her love for family and people in general. Her faith in God has sustained her through the loss of her husband and a grandson. Following her granddaughter’s miscarriage, her granddaughter’s mother had a vivid dream in which her husband in heaven was holding the baby.

When asked, she would like her family to remember that, “I was helpful” and how much they are loved.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019, 10:30 a.m., St. Francis Episcopal Church, 2903 Cabezon Blvd SE Rio Rancho, NM.