Beverley J. Mattson

1926 - 2018

Beverley J. Mattson

Beverley J Mattson, aka Bev, Mum, and Lady of the Lake, born May 14, 1926 to Agnes and William MacKenzie, passed with grace on October 31, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Bev was a 1944 graduate of Roosevelt High School, and then attended University of Washington, where she joined the Delta Delta Delta (Tri-Delt) sorority. After college, Bev worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines.

Beverley and her husband, Glenn (architect), long-time residents of Kirkland, WA and Seattle's Lake Union, were married until his death in October of 1998. Children, Dana, Kregg, and Jami (John Surbert; Lesley Mattson; Ev Stern); brother, Pete MacKenzie; and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews survive her.

During the 1960s, Bev and Glenn traveled extensively as dance instructors, golf enthusiasts, and avid bridge players aboard the Matson Line which set sail to: Bora Bora, Tahiti, Rarotonga, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, American Samoa, and the Hawaiian Islands. Whether abroad or at home, Bev and Glenn enjoyed an artful lifestyle and a vast circle of family and friends.

From the 1970s until the 1990s, Bev's wanderlust continued, leading her to a variety of tours, including much of Western Europe; and, later, to Jerusalem where, by virtue of fulfilling the Biblical injunction, she earned a certificate of title as 'Jerusalem Pilgrim'. Bev was baptized at the baptismal site on the Jordan River, soon after which a tree was planted in her honor at Israel's southwest church grove at the American Independence Park.

An artist by nature and nurture, Bev was a longtime member of the Kirkland Creative Arts League (now Kirkland Art Center), where she blossomed as a painter. She continued to hone her craft, and cherish her relationships with fellow artists, throughout her adult life. During her senior years, Bev's artistic expression encompassed everything from weekly Shakespeare readings to an occasional jazz gig, where she was known to sing, scat, and play drums. Her willingness to say "OK" to most any invitation was a testament to her spirit and sense of adventure.

Living aboard a floating home from 1985 until 2013, Bev's world revolved around community, where all were welcome in her home and all were encouraged to join her for a swim. From 2013 until her passing, the Lady of the Lake required full-time care, though her quick wit and good spirits continued to shine. Bev's optimism and laughter were contagious, and her vibrance, warmth, and uncanny ability to riff the blues will be remembered and treasured by all who knew and loved her.

A celebration of Bev's Colorful Life will take place in a variety of ways & locations, with loved ones.

The Mattson family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the staff at Grace Home for their extraordinary care, and requests, in lieu of flowers, that friends donate to Grace Alzheimer's Adult Family Home, 16655 SE 26th Place, Bellevue, WA 98008.