Jean Gordon Mattison
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Jean Gordon Mattison, 90, died Thursday, November 14, 2013 at the home of her daughters in Lenexa. Jean was born to Clarence and Helen Smith Gordon in Emporia, KS.
She attended Emporia State Teachers College and was proud to have been personally hired by William Allen White to be a reporter on the Emporia Gazette, an opportunity afforded by the lack of men to fill jobs due to World War II. In 1944 she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps and served as a reporter on the Port of Embarkation News in New York City.
Jean married a fellow soldier and reporter, Henry Hall “Bud” Mattison in 1946. They moved to his hometown of Rutland, VT where he was an editor for the Rutland Herald.
They relocated to Lawrence, KS in 1962 where she lived until 2010, moving to Lenexa, KS to live with her daughters. While in Lawrence she loved her 31 years of working as an administrative assistant to three Deans of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Kansas.
She was preceded in death by her husband in 1962; brother, Charles Gordon; and sister, Peg Carnine. She is survived by her daughters, Lynne and Barbara of Lenexa, Kathy of Wichita; grandchildren Jason, Brian, Matthew, Charles, and Katie. She is survived by sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Michael Bryant, brother-in-law, Lloyd Carnine, sister-in-law, Mary Gordon, son-in-law, Ramadan Khomsi, as well as nieces and nephews.
Jean survived several life challenges with humor, strength, and continued enjoyment of life. She loved her family, her pets, music, reading, good food, and anything KU. She will be missed.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence at 120 W. 13th Street. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Baldwin City, KS.
In Lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials in her name to the Lawrence Humane Society or Kansas City Hospice and may be sent in care of the mortuary.
Such a special Aunt to us. We will miss her.
I agree wholeheatedly with Marge that she will be missed. I remembered how Lynne and Barbara along with Aunt Jean reached out to my self and my children following Jim’s death.
Hi Lynn. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. It is never easy to lose someone we love, even if we think we are prepared. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Julie Thiessen
Hi Lynn, please know that you are in my prayers during this very difficult time.
Lynne and Family,
So sorry for the loss of your mother. My heart goes out to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Missy Goodwin
What a lovely obituary of a rich life, Lynne. I will keep you and your family close in thought and prayer.
“Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted” Matt 5:4
Jean was a wonderful administrative assistant at KU in the School of Fine Arts. I have fond memories working under her and admired her
ability to deal with all that came her direction. My sincere sympathy to her daughters and family.
Dear Lynne,
My deepest sympathy and condolence to you and your family. Her obituary was such a wonderful tribute to her life,family and work. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Lynn:
Thinking about you and your family in this difficult time. Keeping you in my preyers. Mom is now an angel that very close to you.
Patricia
Hi Lynn:
I was shocked to here of the lost of your mother. I often think of you and how precious and wonderful it is to have enjoyed your mom and had the fortitude to step up to the plate (both you and your sister) to care for your mother.
I could think of no more nobler way to honor and cherish your mom, because as it said, “You only get one”.
Gods blessings and a peace that surpassess all understanding for you and your sister.
You are forever in my heart and on my mind…..
Miss you and Peace Be With You to comfort your soul.
Guietta
Dear Lynne, Barbie and Kathy, it’s Lynda Scheid Paul and my mom are reaching out to
you all . So sorry to hear of your Mom passing..your mOM was an angel to my Dad in the Dean’s office and to also our family.her dedication was unbelievable and her smiles and laughter special.I hope that you are all good and know that we are sending our love and prayers your way at this difficult time.. your Mom was so special!!! Hope that you are well!! Hugs Lynda and Marian..
Lynne, Barb, and family, Sorry to learn of Miss Jeans passing. I always enjoyed our visits. She made me laugh!!!