Patricia Ann Mattson

Patricia (Pat) Mattson was born to eternal life on October 13, 2023, in Littleton, Colorado surrounded by family. She had recently celebrated her 76th birthday.
Patricia Ann Fisher was born September 2, 1947, in Greenville, California to Elmo and Dorothy (Fischer) Fisher. Elmo and Dorothy soon moved their family back to their native western North Dakota, settling in Dorothy's hometown, Golva. Pat fondly remembered Sunday picnics, winter skating parties, and holidays spent with cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Pat attended Golva Public School, graduating high school in 1965. She continued her education at Dickinson State University earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education - Biology and Physical Education in 1969.
While student teaching in Hettinger, North Dakota, Pat met Joseph (Joe) Mattson. Pat and Joe were married on June 14, 1969, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Golva.
Together they raised seven children in Hettinger. Pat was dedicated to her family and to community service, firmly believing that if one wants a strong community one needs to put in the effort. While her children were growing up, she attended all their school activities and sports events. Pat was active with Beta Sigma Phi, Hospital Auxiliary, Girl Scouts, Music Boosters, and the Community Concert Series. Pat also was a founding volunteer of both Helping Hands Hospice and For the Beauty of Hettinger.
Pat was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Hettinger and attended daily mass. She was a member of St. Anne's Altar Society. She taught religious education classes for many years, coordinated RCIA, and served on the Environment Committee.  
Pat's passions were gardening, cooking, and baking. Lovingly described as a "Force of Nature," she enjoyed cooking holiday meals, trying new recipes when entertaining family and friends, and baking Christmas cookies by the dozens. She was always the last person to bed and the first up, especially if baking her famous caramel rolls and sour cream cinnamon twists.
In 2018 Pat and Joe retired to Littleton, Colorado where they became members of Light of the World Catholic Church, enjoyed cultural activities in the Denver area, and hosted visiting family and friends. Pat also continued gardening, joining her grandson Ephram in cultivating a plot in a community garden.
Those who will miss her most include her children Stacie, Don (Paula), Jennifer (Steve), Chris (Tara), Nate, Amy (Andrew), and Tahna; stepson, Co-Bin (Sarah); brother, Gerry Fisher; sisters-in-law, Stella Kienzle and Sharon Fisher; twenty-one grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and much-loved nieces and nephews.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Wayne and Bill Fisher; sister, Joyce Fisher-Crawley; and grandson, Elijah Kjolsrud.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, October 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. MDT at Light of the World Catholic Church in Littleton, Colorado, with Father Anthony Phan presiding. The Mass will be preceded by a Rosary at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. CDT at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota. The burial will be followed by a gathering of family and friends at Signature Events (the historic depot), 401 West Main Street in Mandan.