Deborah J. Mattson

Deborah (Debby) Jean Mattson, 75, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2025, with Jeff, the love of her life for the past 50 years, at her side.

Debby was born the 5th of 6 children and raised in Janesville, Wisconsin. She graduated from Joseph A. Craig High School in 1968 as an honor student and went on to earn her bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

It was at her work at the worldwide Parker Pen headquarters in Janesville where she met Jeff, her future husband, who had just joined Parker's international marketing department. It was mutual love at first sight, and they were married one year later.

In 1979, Jeff's promotion took them to Hong Kong where they lived near Stanley on Hong Kong island for the next four wonderful years. Debby embraced life in Hong Kong with her characteristic curiosity and enthusiasm. She delighted in exploring the city's bustling side-street markets for fresh produce, seafood, clothing, and Asian antiques and furnishings. Eager to expand her culinary skills, she learned to cook authentic Chinese dishes and took pride in preparing them for Jeff and friends. Debby and Jeff spent happy days walking their Yellow Labrador with friends through the nearby hills and relaxing on sunny weekends aboard their shared Chinese junk. An active member of the American Women's Association, Debby brought her trademark enthusiasm to the annual Dragon Boat Races, where she captained the AWA boat with spirited energy and laughter.

Debby enjoyed the opportunity to see new sights and cultures and was able to accompany Jeff on several of his business trips throughout Asia from Tokyo to Singapore. Later foreign travel included mainland China, the Mediterranean, England, South Africa and the Caribbean.

Jeff's further career moves led them to Vero Beach, FL, Charleston, SC, and eventually to Hilton Head Island where they have lived for the past 30 years. A lifelong reader, Debby found joy in sharing her love of books while working part-time at the Little Professor Book Store in Mount Pleasant and later at the former Port Royal Book Store on the Island. She had a gift for helping customers discover just the right book, often introducing them to new authors or stories they would treasure. Her love for accounting led her to find employment in local Island banking for 10 years. She retired from SouthState Bank.

Debby's smile would light up the room. She was outgoing, kind-hearted, had a quick wit and a great sense of humor. She especially enjoyed a little silliness with her five siblings at family reunions. Debby was smart, seldom walked away from a challenge and was never one to put things off. She cared deeply for all her many out-of-state family members and would always search for just the right card to recognize their special occasions. She loved to cook, solve her favorite word jumbles, travel, listen to music and could sing just about any commercial jingle dating back to her childhood.

Deb, as Jeff affectionately called her, shared with him a deep and enduring love, a friendship, and mutual respect that will live on forever. Though her family and friends will miss her dearly, the wonderful memories they created and shared will remain everlasting. God speed, Deb, until we meet again.

She is preceded in death by her mother Ida Margaret Bick; father Ronald A. Berger; brother Robert R. Berger; sisters Kay Schiel, Carol (Ray) Meehan, Linda (Harry) Loggy; nephew Todd Loggy; mother in-law Elizabeth Mattson; and father in-law Julius Mattson.

Debby is survived by her husband Jeffrey Mattson; sister Mary Berger; nieces and nephews Randy (Theresa) Meehan, Kevin (Julie) Meehan, Stacey Meehan, Kelly (Jaime) Meehan-Ilundain, Jeff Loggy, Brett Berger; sister in-law Joanne Hilton; nieces in-law Marni Mills, Angie Vadnais and many great nieces and nephews. Islandfuneralhome.com