Dorothy Celia Mattson of Thunder Bay went to meet her Savior on March 2, 2016. She resided at Pinewood Court after suffering a stroke in 2011.
Dorothy was born on November 27, 1929, in Duluth, to Adolph and Cecelia Everson. She was raised on Maple Hill in Grand Marais, and was the fourth of 10 children. Dorothy married Jerome Donek and together they had three children. She was an excellent homemaker and loved raising her family and watching them grow.
While living in Grand Marais, Dorothy was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church and taught Thursday School for many years. She enjoyed volunteering at shot clinics with Dr. Smith. She was also a member of Royal Neighbors and a member of Operation Sky Watch in the 1950s. Dorothy was passionate about leading the Cancer Crusade in Cook County and working with the Cancer Detection Clinics.
In 1971, Dorothy married Royden Mattson and moved to Thunder Bay, where she was a dedicated member of Calvary Lutheran Church. She enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, watching the Toronto Blue Jays, writing letters to loved ones and reading her Bible and devotions daily. She was an avid gardener and grew wonderful vegetable and flower gardens. Dorothy enjoyed visiting the elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. She was happiest when volunteering and serving others. She was a devoted wife, mom, grandma, and great-grandma.
Dorothy is survived by her sons Leslie Donek, Tex (Cindy) Donek, and daughter Joyce (Jack) Heiskari; stepsons Melvin (Elizabeth) Matson, Geordie (Maryann) Matson, and stepdaughter Nora Lynn (Hans) Carlsson; and grandchildren Jerry (Julie) Donek, Jaclyn (Troy) Berneking, Jeffrey (Joni) Heiskari, Jason Donek, Brandon Donek, Sherri (Tyler) Smith, Mandi Matson, Nathan (Tara) Matson, Saralynn (Johan) Swardh, and Jordee Matson; sisters Anna Speck, Gladys Dockan, and Helen Nelson; and brother Wallace (Sandra) Everson, 10 special great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was preceded in death by husband Royden Mattson, brothers Oscar, Lloyd, Harry, and Jerald Everson, baby sister Ruth, and beloved granddaughter, Sheila Donek.
The Celebration of Life service was held on Friday, March 11 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Grand Marais. Memories of Dorothy will be cherished forever.
We would like to extend a special, heartfelt thank you to the staff at Pinewood Court. We are forever grateful for their care, love, and support of our precious mom/ grandma.
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