B. Eleanor Mattson, 88 long time resident of Richmond and formerly of Redding, CT. left this world on Tuesday, November 21, 2015 much like she entered it, full of grace and beauty and anticipating the journey ahead. Eleanor passed pain free in the comfort of her bed as she desired, surrounded by love and support.
Eleanor was 88 years young born the daughter of the late Isabella (S) Tanton and Carl F. Sporie on April 28, 1927 in Mt. Kisco, NY. She was educated and graduated from Danbury High School class of 1945.
On Saturday, May 4, 1946 Eleanor exchanged vows with Gerald G.M. Mattson at St. John’s parish in Lewisboro, NY. They were married with family and friends present. Sadly Gerald passed on March 19, 1991 after 44 years of marriage but Gerald will great Eleanor with a freshly picked bouquet of Lilacs’ and his award winning smile.
Many of you will remember Eleanor for the 31+ years she worked for the Monadnock Regional High School lunch program or the 20+ years she worked in the central office of MRHS. Or, Eleanor’s 35+ plus years of school bus driving working for Cheshire Transportation using her private vehicles then Laidlaw transit when she was upgraded to a small school bus. Though small and seemingly meek, Eleanor could navigate an icy, unplowed, dirt road at 5:30 am like nobodies business.
Eleanor enjoyed gardening and sharing her harvest, her holiday tables often welcomed wayward neighbors, servicemen who were far from home or students and friends in need of a warm meal. Her green thumb extended to her shoulder and she could cultivate healthy plants from fallen leaves or nearly necrotic specimens given to her by others in desperation. She loved to feed the woodland birds and a variety of four legged creatures that came during the hard cold months for scattered food. Eleanor took in and cared for numerous stray animals over her years in Richmond. Most recently her feral cat Noisy who gave her comfort and companionship sharing her bed until the end.
Mr. Eleanor is survived by her six children, G. Tanton Mattson and his wife Helen of Fitzwilliam, Kendall S. Mattson and his wife Lyn of Campton, Kerwin M. Mattson of Dublin, Kandace I. Mattson and her companion Mark Beauregard of Richmond, Weldon C. Mattson and his wife Karen of Swanzey and Duane R. Mattson and his wife Cathy of Bremerton, WA. Her siblings; Carol Lusby and her husband Alan of Seabrook, WA. and Frank Sporie of Latrobe, PA. In addition she leaves 16 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Eleanor is predeceased by her siblings Mildred Ruscoe of Redding, CT. Marian Cartagena of Vassalboro, ME. and George Sporie of Strafford, NH.
