Issy I. Matson

Isolde "Issy" Matson, beloved wife of the late James P. Matson of Canton Township, PA, passed away peacefully on Friday evening, August 29, 2025, at UPMC Williamsport Hospital surrounded by family and loved ones.

She was born on February 13, 1944, to Leopold and Maria Gold, while her father was stationed in Warlow, Poland. Her early years were spent in war-torn Germany as WWII was ending. Before she was five, Issy was moved around refugee camps and was settled in the Bavarian town of Waldkraiburg, Germany with her mother and four siblings. Her father rejoined the family in 1951 when he was released from a Russian prisoner of war camp in Siberia.

Issy worked small jobs throughout her childhood to help support the family. In her late teens she landed a job as the manager of a wine cellar on the Rhine River. There she met her future husband, Jim Matson while he was stationed at Hahn Airforce Base in West Germany.

They moved back to Jim's hometown of Alba, PA and were married at the First Christian Church of Alba on May 13, 1965. Jim and Issy shared forty-six cherished years together and welcomed three children: Kirk, Steven, and Monica. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion until Jim's passing in 2011.

Issy supported Jim in his diverse career as the bank vice president and later as the Safety Director for J&B Mining Company, and the sales manager at McClure Motor Company in Troy, PA. Together, they opened Matson's Veal Farm, followed by Matson's Personal Care Home where Issy took responsibility for daily operations until her retirement in 2009.

Issy enjoyed gardening and traveling. She spent what little free time she had visiting or entertaining family and friends.

Issy will be remembered as a caring, loving woman with boundless energy and unyielding loyalty who was selflessly devoted to family and friends. Her work ethic, generosity, and humor were unmatched.

She is survived by her children: Kirk (Lisa) Matson of Lebanon, CT; Steven (Rhea) Matson of Mililani, HI; and Monica (Mark) Rinaudo of Louisville, KY. Her Grandchildren: Amy, Amelia, and Alexander. Her siblings: Herbert Gold, Helga Bahner, and Walter Gold. And her very special friend, Jerry Allen of Burlington, PA, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and very close friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Issy is predeceased by her beloved grandson Luke and sister Gretel.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Dr. in Canton, PA 17724. A funeral service to celebrate Issy's life will be 11 a.m. Thursday, at the funeral home with Pastor Charlotte Morse officiating. Burial will follow in the Alba Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation in Mrs. Matson's loving memory to the American Cancer Society. Please share memories and/or condolences to the family by visiting the funeral home's website at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com

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