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BORN
1961
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Debra Mattson Obituary
After accepting Christ at a Billy Graham crusade at the age of 13, she followed Jesus and served others for the entirety of her life.
Debra was passionate about showing God's love to children, especially her eight children and fourteen grandchildren. She always made whatever sacrifices necessary to support her family in whatever was important to them. She made annual family vacations a priority and continued her love for travel by visiting her children and grandchildren.
Debra had a servant's heart and was an active member of the Erie First Assembly of God. She was involved in the nursery, children's ministry, Royal Family Kids, small group, and women's bible study. Debra was incredibly involved in the Harbor Creek School District through the PTO, Sports Boosters, and Klein Elementary School. She is remembered at Klein for many things, most notably through baking Christmas cookies for teachers. Debra enjoyed crafting, baking, quilting, and painting. She was a graduate of the Girard class of 1979 and was actively involved in the planning of class reunions. She continued her service through volunteering with the American Red Cross Foundation.
Debra is survived by her high school sweetheart, husband, and best friend of 45 years, Edward L. Mattson; eight children, Jessica (Doug) Peterson, Bethany (Michael) Bertoni, Gillian (Philip) Gluvna, Valerie (Tyler) Phenneger, Lucas (Morgan, fiancé) Mattson, Isaac (Devin, fiancé) Mattson, Zachary Mattson, and Gabriel (Brooklyn, fiancé) Mattson; thirteen grandchildren, Myles, Caleb, Asher, Eli, Xavier, Zyana, Emma, Oliver, Selah, Grace, Everett, Sophia, and Owen; her mother; three brothers, Gary (Joanna) Twichel, Jeff (Tina) Twichel, and Stephen (Michele) Twichel; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her father; granddaughter, Lilyanna; her mother-in-law, Joyce Gehrlein and husband Donald; and Jim Hayes.
Friends and family may call at the Dusckas-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 5151 Buffalo Road (at Hannon Road, in Harborcreek Township), on Sunday, July 18th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. There will be an additional viewing on Monday, July 19th from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Erie First Assembly of God at 8150 Oliver Road South, followed by a celebration of life service and burial at Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Royal Family Kids (erieroyalfamily.square.site) and Foster Erie donorbox.org/foster-erie-2" target="_blank">(donorbox.org/foster-erie-2).
Sign the Guestbook on GoErie.
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Memories and Condolences
for Debra Mattson
Sponsored by Dusckas Funeral and Cremation Services Harborcreek.
Crissa Liggett
July 15, 2024
Deb, we have Royal Family Kids camp next week and I will miss you being there. You were so patient and kind with all the kids. You created such fun crafts all the children loved them and you. See you again one day. Crissa
Brenda Bane
July 11, 2024
I miss you friend, our Bible Studies together, catching up in church and just seeing your smiling face. Prayers for your family...
Judy Dietz
July 11, 2022
I often think of your family and want you to know I am sending extra prayers and air hugs to all of you.
shirley cline
August 4, 2021
Ed and Family,
So many wonderful memories from camping with us to your wedding day & us so proud that Debbie picked Kelly for her flower girl to all those great Graduation parties for your kids, Uncle Chuck and I will cherish each and every one & every thought of Deb on each day that She pops up in our mind. God Bless Debbie and your wonderful loving family. Love and Prayers, Uncle Chuck & Aunt Shirley
Anne Hull
July 27, 2021
Deb you were loved by everyone. You will be so missed. I will see you again. Sending all my love. Anne Hull
Pat Comer
July 22, 2021
Dear Ed and Family,
I´m so sorry to hear of your loss. Deb is a beautiful child of God and surely sign with the choir! May the strength of our Lord be with you all and your light always continue to shine.
Paul and Cheryl Griffith
July 22, 2021
Our heartfelt sympathies to all of the Mattson family. We have fond memories of cheering our boys together during games. She was always a beautiful spirit to be around. Prayers for comfort and peace in the days ahead
Mike Withrow
July 21, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss Ed. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rest In Peace Debbie...
Melanie Hoitinga
July 19, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the Mattson family. Though I did not know Mrs. Mattson, I know that she (and Mr. Mattson) raised some wonderful kids. Sending you all thoughts of comfort and peace.
Marty & Jackie Learn
July 19, 2021
To the entire Mattson family...wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart...we are both so very sorry for your loss.
Dave and Donna (Bell) Aldrich
July 19, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Debbie was such a dear person. It was always a joy talking to her at the ball games. Hold tight to all the wonderful memories that you family has made together.
Dawn Estela
July 19, 2021
Throughout the course of 15 years serving together at Royal Family- Deb and I shared many creative moments and projects together. My heart is broken and more-so for Ed and the whole family. The best I can do is pray - that God´s loving comfort will fill you in over abundance that it will sustain you as you grieve the loss of this beautiful woman that God allowed us to do life with. We are all so blessed to have known her. Love you Debbie and will miss that big smile of yours. Stay strong everyone- ground yourselves in Jesus.
Bob and Cheryl Zellefrow, Owen, Jake and Ashlyn
July 18, 2021
We are heartbroken to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathies go out to the entire Mattson family. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Karen L Bugaj
July 18, 2021
Bethany~ To you and to all of your family, I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your dear mom. I know she loved all of you, and was proud of all of you. I will keep your family in my prayers. Draw closer to God and always remember that He will never leave you or forsake you. That single set of footprints in the sand, are His and He is carrying you! Frank and I send our deepest of sympathies.
Lucy Webster
July 18, 2021
So very sorry for your loss, she was a wonderful woman of God, I wished that I had spent more time with her. I will never forget her smiling face. Lucy
Thomas Heinrich
July 18, 2021
Alise and I offer our deepest condolences to Ed and his whole family. This is such a shock to us all. You remain fervently in our prayers.
Dave Hayes
July 18, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the entire family. She was a remarkable person. GOD BLESS her.
Jenny and Dave Potter
July 18, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear of Debra's passing. I've known her since childhood Sunday School classes. She always had a smile whenever I saw her. We recently reconnected and she was so proud of all her children. My prayers to the family and she will be missed.
Sherie and Walter Bush
July 18, 2021
To Isaac, Ed and family - You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are heartbroken for you all. Please accept our deepest condolences. The world has lost an amazing woman and a beautiful soul.
John & Pam Hanisek
July 18, 2021
Our heartfelt sympathies! We remember Debra as a sweet, soft spoken encourager! A faithful servant in women´s ministry and the nursery! We are praying for you! She leaves a legacy of Love!
Cindy & Roger Dougan
July 18, 2021
Our hearts ache for you all...our deepest sympathy to the dear Mattson family....our many thoughts and constant prayers are with you....
Mowris Family
July 18, 2021
Dear Ed and family, our hearts are broken and we wish to express our condolences to you all. Deb was such a kind, loving person who radiated God and her family, always there no matter the task asked of her. I have such fond, loving memories of this special lady, prayers for you all during this difficult time. Lynne Mowris & family
Judy Dietz and family
July 18, 2021
Sending tons of prayers and hugs to your family during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathies go out to all of you.
Mary lorei
July 18, 2021
Sorry for your loss.I have known her mother for years.My prayers for all of you
Michael Peterson
July 17, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss, Jessica & Doug. We will all see her again someday! Praise God!
Eleanor Stuck
July 17, 2021
I am so deeply sorry to hear of Debra's passing. I pray God's peace and comfort for you all.
Debra was my second cousin, but I didn't know her. I know, from all the tributes, that I missed knowing a truly wonderful person.
Steve & Pati Perkins
July 17, 2021
Ed, our heartfelt love to you and your family. I always looked at Deb as a role model of how God wants us to treat others. Soft spoken, selfless, didn´t gossip or say unkind words, always offering her help. We have such fond memories of her. Praying for God to fold his arms around you with his love and reassure you that she´s with him in eternal life.
Julie Mersing
July 17, 2021
Lou and I were so sorry to hear of Debbie´s passing. She was a truly wonderful person and it was a blessing to know her. Your family has our deepest sympathy and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Lawrence (Marcia & Maggie)
July 17, 2021
Our sincerest condolences to the Mattson family and may our Lord Jesus comfort you. Debbie will be fondly remembered as the kind & generous mom we got to know as our kids went through school. May you always remember your many good times together.
Cindy, Joe and Dale Cuzzola
July 17, 2021
Dear Gabe, Val and Mattson Family, We are so saddened to hear of the passing of your Mom. I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but heard all good things about her and what a wonderful loving mother she was. It´s so hard to lose a mother. Stay strong. Hold all her precious memories in your heart and she´ll always be with you. With heart felt sympathy, Cindy, Joe and Dale Cuzzola
Meghan Moore
July 17, 2021
Love from Devin´s VA family. So sorry for this loss.
Jackie Kitts
July 17, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
The Muellers.
July 17, 2021
We are deeply saddened to hear of Deb´s passing. She was such a warm and wonderful lady. Our prayers go up for your family. We know she is with the Lord. Love to all.
Rick, Lisa and family.
Jennifer Jandt
July 17, 2021
My breath was literally taken away when I heard this. I have never met a kinder, more loving person than Debbie. I always admired her for her love of God and her dedication to her family. She will be missed so much by everyone who knew her. Your entire family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Merritt
July 17, 2021
I look up to Deb as a Christian, as a mother and as a wife. Chris and I are crushed and lift you all up in prayer. Her Lord welcomes her with open arms.
Brenda Bane
July 17, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Debbie´s death. We attended women´s Bible Studies together and became friends there. I remember her as a beautiful soul. Prayers for you all...
Carol and David Wurst
July 17, 2021
Our love and prayers are with you and family.
May God's love and peace surround you all.
LANCE BLYSTONE
July 17, 2021
ED AND FAMILY IAM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOST DEBBIE WAS A GREAT PERSON ! TRUST IN GOD TO GET YOUR FAMILY SOME COMFORT
Teri, Ron, Jacob & Hayley Stanopiewicz
July 17, 2021
We want to express our deepest sympathies & prayers to the Mattson family. It was through our son & Harborcreek High School boys basketball that we knew the Mattson's. Deb was such a kind & beautiful person. She is flying with the angels watching over all of you now! Peace with you all during this very difficult time.
Jenny Wheeler
July 17, 2021
We are so very sorry to hear that Debra has passed. Thoughts and prayers to the family. She was an amazing woman.
Lori C
July 17, 2021
I was so shocked and saddened to hear this news. My heart breaks yet I know she isn´t feeling sadness or pain any more. My prayers are with your family!
Peter and Elaine Gibson
July 17, 2021
The news of Debby's passing is incredibly difficult to bear. She radiated light and love. We will always treasure the memory of this precious woman and friend. May her beautiful family find solace in the tremendous legacy of love and service she leaves behind. Rest In Peace, Debby, in the arms of your beloved Savior.
Heather Birtciel
July 17, 2021
What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. We feel so lucky that we got to know her. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Darrin, Heather, Marcus, Connor, and Leanna
Crissa Marie Liggett
July 17, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful friend and will be missed by many. She was full of patience and so good with the kids,it was a blessing to serve by her side.
Patty Hunsaker
July 17, 2021
I have never met a more loving and Christlike woman. My heart hurts so much for all of you and I am praying for your peace and comfort. So many wonderful memories of shared times watching children´s sporting events together. She was an example of what a mother should be and her love for her family and the Lord always shined through.
Love and prayers to Ed and family.
Tracie and David Eaglen
July 17, 2021
With heartfelt sadness our sympathies go out to you Ed and your entire family. We will remember her soft spoken words and the smile on her face each time we saw her. She will be missed by all.
Patrick and Barbara Foye
July 17, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss. What a wonderful, warm and kind person. We are broken-hearted...
Dave and Brenda Fernandes
July 17, 2021
Brenda and I are heartbroken at the loss of Deb and we both pray for peace and comfort during these hard times.
Linda Blum
July 17, 2021
So sorry to read of Debby's passing. She was such a lovely person who's love for her family was always apparent. She also wore such a beautiful smile. She was so sweet to my Mom who recently passed. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family.
Chris Peters
July 16, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Debbie was my all time favorite Klein mom. Not only did she make the best cookies, but she was always willing to volunteer in any way she could. She loved being in the school, and treated all of the students as if they were her own kids. Everyone knew Mrs. Mattson, and loved her dearly. She had such a kind heart, and the patience of a saint. I'm blessed to have been able to call her a friend. Heaven now has a new angel.
Kris strain (Beautiful smiles)
July 16, 2021
My deepest sympathy for you loss. Your mother was a great person.My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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