Lilian Mattson

NORTHPORT — Lilian P. Mattson, a resident of Northport, passed away peacefully on Feb. 6, 2012, at the age of 93. Lilian was a most loving and caring person who will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. Lilian was born on Oct. 18, 1918, in Negaunee, to the late John and Ida Mae Mitchell Perkins. She graduated from the University of Michigan in 1941, married the late Theodore M. Mattson, M.D., also of Negaunee, and raised four adoring children in Pleasant Ridge while working as a medical secretary in Detroit.Lilian moved to Northport in 1970 to be near her late sister, Mary Perkins Finton and brother-in-law, Max A. Finton, M.D., of Northport.Lilian worked at the Northport Bay Boat Yard and volunteered at the Leelanau Memorial Hospital and the Leelanau Township Library. She was a supporter of the Leelanau Conservancy. A lifelong Episcopalian, who lived the tenets of her faith, Lilian attended and volunteered at St. Christopher's Church. She was an egalitarian, environmentalist and a mental health advocate. Lilian loved playing bridge, reading, doing crossword puzzles, bird-watching and viewing her beloved Northport Bay from her North Shore Road home.Lilian was predeceased by her sister, Mary; and son, James A. Mattson, of Northport. She is survived by Max A. Finton, M.D., three children, five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She leaves her daughter, Mila J. Meeks (Warren), of Columbia, Md.; her son, John T. Mattson, M.D. (Janet), of Moraga, Calif.; and her son, Steven R. Mattson, Ph.D., of Northport. She is survived by her devoted grandchildren, Derek Meeks, of Columbia, Md., Trevor Meeks (Kris), of Denver, Colo., Colin Meeks (Diane), of Ithaca, N.Y., Jessica Mattson Jordan (Chris), of Danville, Calif., and Scott Mattson, of Lisle, Ill. Lilian enjoyed seeing her great-grandchildren together in Northport last summer. They are Lily and Ellie Meeks, Hilina Meeks, Corallus and Xander Meeks and Brian Jordan.A memorial service will be held at St. Gertrude's Church in Northport on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012, at 1 p.m., under the auspices of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church. A memorial coffee and tea will be offered after the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Leelanau Conservancy or the charity of your choice.You may share condolences with the family at Lilian's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Lilian Mattson

October 18, 1918