Doris Eloise Hallman Mattson
July 23, 1919 – January 3, 2013
Doris was born the 6th of eight children to Elis and Eva (Morgan) Hallman, homesteaders in the Poulsbo community of Scandia. She married Fred Mattson of Bainbridge Island, and there they raised their family of three daughters to see all of their grandchildren call the island home.
A nurturing mother and doting grandma to her family, she included an extra daughter to whom she and Fred opened their hearts and home. She was not afraid of the work ethic and demonstrated a “can do” spirit likely inherited from her pioneer family. She directed her influence in her church as a Sunday School & Bible school teacher, quilting for the needy, & serving as a church council member. She delighted in planning and preparing social events with her many friends at Bethany Lutheran Church. Her unwavering Christian faith, keen intelligence, humor and creativity sustained her through some of life’s potholes. In her 65 years in the same community she made many friends, often favorites being one-of-a-kind eccentrics. She was known to be available to many facing crisis in the community.
As her first children left home, Doris fulfilled a lifelong desire, acquiring her drivers license and obtaining a nursing degree. She worked at care facilities on Bainbridge as well as in Seattle, including providing in-home dialysis. In nursing she was indeed a “natural,” passing this gift on to generations after her.
Her inquisitive mind took her to visits in Europe and Africa. In her free time she followed the Seattle Mariners, Seahawks, and basketball. Her humor shone through her poetry in greeting cards of her creation, and she was a painter & potter, as well as a master and teacher of her egg craft, known as “Eggs by Eloise”.
Doris accepted with exemplary grace a disability late in life, resulting from an accident not of her own doing. She cherished and charmed the superb staff of Crista Shores. Her passing was cause of profound grief to many who tended her. She was known as an “elegant lady” with a smile for all, to caregivers, who were much like angels to her. She left dear friends there.
Her death reunites her with her husband, Fred; siblings Ralph, Roda Brown, Calla Brickley, Goldie Hagbo, Bill, David, Ted and a niece. Her children, grandchildren nieces and nephews express that they miss her unconditional love, and as a role model. She leaves daughters Marlene (Alan) Orwiler, Carol (Mike) Oas, and Brenda (Frank) Oster, Kathy Bennett Price; grandchildren Mark and Terri Orwiler, Michael Oas and Darcy Monette, and Alise Fulton. There are 12 great-grandchildren.
A service will be at Bethany Lutheran Church of Bainbridge Island, 1/19/13, at 12:30 p.m. Memorials in her name can be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or Crista Ministries, 19303 Fremont Avenue N., Seattle WA, 98133.
TRIBUTE Paid Notice
