Evalyn H. Mattie ‘Mattie’

Evalyn H. Mattie “Mattie”, 89, of Palmer passed away at St. Elias Hospital Jan. 15, 2015, of natural causes with her children by her side.

Evalyn was born Sept. 28, 1925, in East Orange, N.J., to Alfred and Jane Stockbridge. She was the youngest of five children.

Evalyn married John Mattie Jr. Aug. 2, 1947, and moved to Colonia, N.J., where she resided for many years.

Mattie moved to Alaska in 1999 to be closer to her family. She enjoyed traveling, especially by train, gardening, crafting, bingo, crossword puzzles and Scrabble. Mattie had an artistic eye and saw beauty in nature.

She is survived by her daughter, Loretta Karmi of Anchorage; son, Thomas Mattie Sr. and Kristina Stineburg of Palmer; grandchildren, Crystal and Terry Yantzie of Washington, Michael and Tammy Montgomery of Washington, Thomas Mattie Jr. and Erica Sekso of Florida; great-grandchildren, Brian and Nicholas Yantzie, Amber and Justin Montgomery, Zachery and Alyssa Mattie; great-great-grandchild, Ashley Stedeford; and several nieces and nephews and friends at Mat-Su Senior Center in Palmer.

Her grandson Mike stated, “She was a member of the greatest generation and a true example of the American spirit. Her longevity was an inspiration to her family.”

Granddaughter Crystal stated, “She was my teacher, mentor and creative muse; loving, guiding and supporting every step of the way. She always made sure I knew I was loved. How precious she was to me.”

Grandson Thomas said he hopes there are parades and Pepsi in heaven, grandma enjoyed them both. Daughter Loretta said of Mattie, “Everything I am and everything I have, I owe to my mom. She taught me many lessons throughout my life and the last being to be strong and brave, as she was. Mom instilled in her family a love of nature and respect for all living things.” Mattie was a champion of the underdog and a caring friend.

As per her wishes, her ashes were scattered at Hatcher Pass.