Marylu MATTSON Obituary

Marylu Mattson passed away in Sebastopol, California on December 30, 2012 from complications from surgery. Born September 12, 1933, in Los Angeles, California to Fred and Lucile Mattson, sister to Fred Jr., Marylu graduated from Mission San Fernando High School in 1951, obtained a B.S. in microbiology and chemistry and a B.A. in English from Mount St. Mary's College in Los Angeles, earned an M.A. in English from UCLA in 1964, and a Ph.D. from USC in 1969. Marylu lectured at California State University Los Angeles from 1968 to 1970 when she joined the faculty as one of the original professors at the new Hutchins School of Liberal Studies at Sonoma State University. Her colleagues and students at Hutchins remember her as a skilled seminar leader who modeled intellectual curiosity and openness to new ideas with strong critical sensibility and an absolute commitment to high standards. She also served in the Academic Senate, Vice President's Council, Campus Coordinator of Computer Assisted Instruction, elected Chair of the Division of Cluster Schools, and was Provost of the Hutchins School. Marylu authored a text used by teachers throughout the country, Help Yourself: A Guide to Writing and Rewriting. Marylu retired in 1992 but continued with her studies and recently published her book Shaman's Dream: The Modoc War. Marylu is survived by her life partner of 35 years, Linda Day, and was a wonderful second mother to Linda's children Erica Sargent, Andrea Sargent Harbin, and Scott Sargent. She will also be missed by her grandchildren Clara and Amelia Schaeffer, Rowan and Duncan Harbin, Owen and Tavis Sargent. The date and time of a public celebration of her life will be announced later. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent in the memory of Marylu Mattson to the Warren E. Olson Memorial Fund, Sonoma State University, 1801 E. Cotati Ave., Stevenson 1054, Rohnert Park, CA 94928. (Checks payable to Sonoma State University).

Published by Press Democrat from Jan. 5 to Jan. 8, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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God Bless her soul.

Doug Vance

January 13, 2013

Adieu dear friend of 42 years. You will never be forgotten, always be missed and hold a special place in my heart.
with love,
Wendy

January 8, 2013

Here's a photo of Lu Mattson with colleague Les Adler at a Hutchins School event in 2009.

January 7, 2013

I was a Hutchins School seminar student of Lu's during the early Seventies and we stayed in touch for the following 30+ years. Lu not only had a great intellect and insatiable curiosity, she was blessed with a big heart and easygoing manner. Like any great teacher, her interest in her students was genuine and invariably attentive. It was a pleasure to know her and be blessed by her gifts.

Richard "Captain" Mahler

January 7, 2013

I, too, was a student of Lu's in Hutchins' School in early 1970's. She sat with me each week going over my papers line-by-line, teaching me the skills of good writing. When my law professors commented on my writing skills, I said a silent "thank-you" to Lu. She will be missed! Diana Halpenny

Diana Halpenny

January 7, 2013

What an amazing teacher!!!!! I will always be able to diagram any sentence. I loved her classes!!

January 7, 2013

Colleague, mentor, friend. I will miss lu. She walked with integrity, humor, courage and an open heart.
Love from Susan Barnes

January 6, 2013

I was one of Lu's students at the Hutchins School in the early 1970s. She was a great teacher and later on a good friend. She will be remembered and missed.

Richard Dangerfield

January 5, 2013

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