In loving memory of
HELEN R. MATTSON
March 4, 1918 - November 2, 2010
Helen R. Mattson, 92, of Gwinn, passed away Tuesday morning, November 2, 2010 at her residence.
Miss Mattson was born on March 4, 1918 in Princeton, a daughter of the late Albert and Hilja (Hiipakka) Mattson. She was a 1936 graduate of Gwinn High School.
After graduating, Helen worked as assistant to the Postmaster in Princeton from 1936 – 1943. She then enlisted in the U.S. Army serving in the Women's Army Corp during World War II and was discharged in December of 1945 with the rank of Private First Class.
After the war she worked at the former Gossard Garment Factory and later in the Gwinn High School principal's office until her retirement.
Over the years, Helen traveled extensively. She loved following the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers and was always working on a crossword puzzle. Many of Helen's family and friends thought she made the best apple pie in Gwinn.
Survivors include one sister, Eila Hill of Gwinn; two brothers, Barney (Taimi) Mattson of Negaunee and Edwin "Chippy" (Anna) Mattson of Gwinn; Nieces and nephews, Linda Larson, Grace (Ken) Jalonen, Mari Mattson and Don Mattson, all of Negaunee, Paul (Callie) Hill of Lower Michigan, Dale (Barbara) Hill of Green Bay, Jim (Vicky) Hill of Lower Michigan and Gary Hill of Santa Barbara, CA; one step-niece, Nancy Zanetti of Colorado; two step-nephews, Richard Zanetti of Gwinn and Douglas Zanetti of Marquette; great niece, Ericka (Giovanni) Distefano and great nephew, Will Hurdman, both of Gwinn; also surviving are several other great nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death besides her parents was a sister, Aune Mallette; a brother, Eino Mattson and a nephew, Bill Hurdman.
A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn with the Rev. George Candea-Kromm officiating. Friends may call at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Friday until the time of the service. Inurnment will take place at the Gwinn Cemetery where members of the Gwinn VFW Post will provide military honors.
Memorials are preferred to the Grace Lutheran Church Building Fund, 558 W. M-35, Gwinn, MI 49841in Helen's memory.
The Canale-Gwinn Funeral Home is assisting the family where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance at www.canalefuneral.com