Mattson, Edna Viola Jernstrom
Edna Mattson, 101, a 64-year resident of Park Forest, IL died peacefully in her home on October 5, 2019, surrounded by family.
Edna was born in her home in Worcester, MA, on August 26, 1918, the youngest child of Carl and Hulda Segolsson Jernstrom. Edna’s love of family and church were nurtured during her early years as she baked Swedish coffee cakes and pancakes with her mom, walked to the local Lutheran Church for services, and danced with the boys at the Swedish lodge.
She graduated number two in her class from Auburn High School in 1936, and was not surprisingly voted “sweetest person” in her class.
She went to work as an office manager for Norton Company where she was introduced to Leonard Mattson. She fell in love with his athleticism and the lovely way he treated his own mom.
Len and Edna married in 1943 and he joined the navy; he was stationed on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific for the duration of the war.
At the war’s end, three children (Janis, Susan, and Richard) quickly joined the family. Len returned to Norton Company and was offered a promotion to Chicago. The family then moved to Park Forest in 1955.
After raising the children, Edna was employed by Sears, Roebuck and Company in their credit department from 1968 until she retired in 1980.She has been actively involved in Trinity Lutheran Church in Park Forest, the Park Forest Women’s Club and the Garden Club of Park Forest. At Trinity, she taught Sunday School, served on the altar guild, and the Esther Circle.Committed to her faith, family, and Swedish traditions, she celebrated her century milestone in 2018 with all her living descendants in Door County, WI and then with her church congregation and many friends at Trinity.
A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, matriarch, friend, and community volunteer, she is preceded in death by her husband Leonard. Edna is survived by daughters Janis (the late Richard) Marcotte and Susan (Stephen) Tousey, and son Richard; grandchildren Scot, Brian, Jason, Anne, Eric, and Jeffrey; and great-grandchildren Rachel, Gavin, Stephanie, Rhys, Owen, Hadley, Annika, and Enzo.
A memorial service celebrating Edna’s life will be held on November 2 at 11 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church (at Church of the Holy Family Episcopal) at 102 Marquette Street in Park Forest.
Arrangements entrusted to Lain-Sullivan Funeral Directors.
Donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church in Park Forest.