Harriet Maria Mattson
Harriet Maria Mattson, 87 of Virginia went to her heavenly home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, April 6, 2010 at St. Michael’s Health and Rehabilitation Center in Virginia. Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 10, 2010. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. at the True Hope Fellowship Church in Midway/Virginia. Pastor Joel Kallberg will officiate. Burial will be at Waasa Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements are with the Range Funeral Home of Virginia.
She was born on March 15, 1923 in Waasa Township the first child of Henry and Hilma Sipola. Harriet went through the 10th grade and left school to help with the family farm. She married Walter W. Mattson on April 2, 1942.
Harriet was a devoted housewife and farmer. She enjoyed working in her garden, canning her vegetables and fruits. She also made wedding cakes and her famous Finnish farm bread. Harriet was the pasty queen in Waasa Township. She loved to play her accordion, but her major passion was to spread the love of God. She made a patch work quilt for each of her grandchildren as a wedding gift. Harriet was very patriotic and proud of her country.
She is survived by sons; Lawrence of Rochester and David (Janet) of Grand Rapids; Daughter; Virginia (John) of Tower;
Grandchildren; Brian and Melissa, Krista, Jeffrey (Michelle), Brad (Dawn), Marcy (Craig), Ryan (Brooke), Sherry (Larry) and Chris (Crystal); Great-grandchildren: Tiffany, Nathan, Kara, Jared, Tyler, Ashley, Travis, Kaylynn, Jeffrey, Julia, Emily, Elizabeth, Daniel, Bianca, Dominic and Megan; Brothers: James Sipola (Helvie); Sisters: Jeanette (Bob), Margie, Doris and Miriam; Sister-in-law: Irene.
She was preceded in death by parents; Henry and Hilma Sipola; Husband; Walter; daughter; Cynthia; daughter-in-law: Diane; granddaughter; Gail; siblings; Bill Sipola, Betty Hill, and Ruth Alaspa.
Harriet’s family would like to thank St. Michael’s staff for their excellent care, compassion and friendship.
