Patricia (Nelson) Mattsson Obituary (1947

Patricia Marie Nelson Mattsson passed away on July 14, 2016 at her home in Erda but can you define a person by more than facts? She loved her horses, cats and dogs; trips to Jackson Hole; her law enforcement career; laughing; being ornery at times; standing up for others; gossiping with friends; planning to redecorate but never getting around to it; reading; sewing….but she loved her family most of all. Her parents, Elroy and Artella Nelson, taught her the value of work, caring and family while raising her in Tooele with her brother Ron. She grew up in a neighborhood where families watched out for each other and kids came home only when the street lights went on. She and Ron have remained close through the years even though a truce needed to be called occasionally. When Crystal, her daughter, was born Pat’s life changed. She loved Crystal with all her heart and the two shared experiences through life that both strengthened and weakened them. But through it all they were there for each other. When Pat married Lee Mattsson he and Crystal shared a wonderful dad/daughter relationship. Pat rejoiced when Crystal married Heath Hillyard and they had two sons, Heath Dalton and Claye Michael. These kids became Pat’s life and she was blessed to help raise them. Along the way Pat met Judd Ericson who was her constant support and cheerleader. He made sure she always had what she needed and she loved him for that. Following varied jobs, including owning her own Tack shop, she followed Judd’s example and they shared their love for law enforcement by working for the Tooele County Sheriff’s office for years. Life lately had become difficult for Pat because of health issues that have plagued her for the last few years. Her body could no longer support living and so she left us. She leaves behind her son-in-law Heath Hillyard and her grandsons Dalton and Claye; her brother and sister-in-law Ron and Carolyn Jensen Nelson; her sweetheart Judd Ericson; many cousins and many friends. She had people who weren’t related but she considered them family…you know who you are. She is preceded in death by her daughter Crystal, her parents and her nephew Ronald Derek Nelson. A graveside service was held this morning at the Tooele Cemetery where she was laid to rest next to her parents and nephew. There will be a gathering on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Ron and Carolyn’s home (258 North 100 West) from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. for all who wish to attend. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Patricia Marie (Nelson) Mattsson please visit our Sympathy Store.