Birgit V. Mattson

Birgit V. “Becky” Mattson was born September 13, 1928, in Purmo, Finland to the late Alfred and Maria (Nilson) Hagglund. She immigrated by boat to this country with her husband and 2-year-old son Charles July 31, 1954. She moved to Northeast Wisconsin in 1957, and promptly joined St Timothy Lutheran Church in 1958. She and Ivar built a home in Menasha in 1961. That home was where the couple raised their beautiful family. Birgit’s husband of 42 years, Ivar passed away January 11, 1994.

Birgit has been active at St Timothy serving on the worship and hospitality committees, bible study group and as a choir member for many years. She loved to work with flowers both at home and at church. Her green thumb kept her home filled with plants and flowers. She often coached her children in caring for them. Proud of her Scandinavian heritage, she belonged to a ladies club where they spent time sewing and chatting. It was lovingly called the “stitch and _____ club” and they shared many a homemade dessert.

Birgit is survived by five children: Charles (Alice), Timothy (Diane), Gary (Kelly), Karen (Peter), and Tina (Mark); and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss her playful spirit. In addition, she is survived by her god sons Steven Hagglund and Mark Kislewski, cousins, nephews, nieces and many friends far and wide in Finland, Sweden, Canada and the United States.

Birgit was preceded in death by her husband Ivar, her parents, 3 brothers, 3 sisters, and was most recently preceded by brother Elmer and his wife Maj-lis. She is also predeceased by her son-in-law Muneer Dar.

A funeral service will take place on Saturday March 15, 2025, at 10:00am at St Timothy Lutheran Church, 473 7th Street, Menasha. Friends and family may gather at the church from 9:00am until the service begins. Birgit will be reunited with Ivar at Highland Memorial Park, Appleton.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St Timothy Lutheran Church in Birgit’s memory.

The family would like to thank Ally and her staff at Prairie Homes for their loving care of our mom while she was with them. In addition, thank you to Rebecca and St Croix Hospice for their loving care in her final days.