Rebecca E. Becky Mattson, 88

Rebecca E. Becky Mattson, a longtime resident of Lakeside passed away from natural causes on July 5, 2010, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. She was 88 years old. She was born June 25, 1922, and raised in Duluth, Minn., she was the youngest daughter of Swedish immigrants Selma and Gustav Lundmark. She graduated from Duluth Central High School in 1940. In 1945 she married Richard C. Mattson, her high school sweetheart. Becky owned and operated Mattson Realty with her husband Dick Mattson since the 1960s. She was first licensed as a Montana Realtor in 1960 and was one of the first women in the profession. Her business specialized in lakeshore property and homes. Her Happy Homes Mattson Realty logo was a reflection of her sunny personality and commitment to finding the right home for her clients. In the early 1970s, Becky and husband Dick established the National Good Neighbor Day Foundation and worked tirelessly throughout the next three decades in lobbying Congress to establish the fourth Sunday of every September as a day for neighbors to help each other. Three U.S. presidents and multiple governors signed proclamations recognizing Good Neighbor Day. Becky loved children and being a clown for community fundraisers. She was an artist, working in oils and pencil, and designed her own business logo, posters and advertisements. Her contributions to the community were many, including working with the North Shore Coalition to stop lakeshore property erosion; working on the acquisition committee for the Lakeside Sewer District; active in the local Women s Club and the annual Lakeside Fair; helping overturn plans to sell the Lakeside School; and serving as a notary public for many years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dick Mattson; parents; four brothers and one sister. She is survived by her son, Dick Mattson, who lives in East Glacier; her sister, Dorothy Stange, of Mabel, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews. Her bright smile, sparkling eyes and enthusiasm for living each day to its fullest will be missed by many. A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Lakeside Volunteer Park or, in case of inclement weather, at the Lakeside Chapel. Memorials can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, or the Richard Mattson Memorial Scholarship fund at Flathead Valley Community College.