Darlene June (Magnusson) Matson

Darlene June Matson, age 81, of Munising, died at her home following a short illness with colon cancer on Thursday, January 13, 2022.  She was born on November 3, 1940 on Indiantown Road near Munising to the late Lawrence and Viola (Paquette) Magnusson.   Darlene attended school in Munising.  She married Ronald G. “Blackie” Matson, Sr. on March 5, 1960 and together raised their family.    Darlene worked as an accountant for the Wyse lumber company for years and also as the accountant for the family business, Matson Fisheries.  She retired as Supervisor of cage at the casino in Christmas.  Darlene was a proud member of the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe.   She loved knitting, sewing, cooking, cleaning, and playing cards on the computer.  Darlene was a talented artist and loved hand painting beautiful scenery pictures and working crafts.

She is survived by her children – Donna “Dodi” (Jim) Gauthier of Howards Grove, WI, Ronald “Ernie” (Kristen) Matson, Jr. of Munising, Tim Matson of Munising, and Julie (Rich Hart) Matson of Munising; grandchildren – Chad (Natasha) Gauthier, Dylan Matson and Alexis Hart of Munising, Katy (Caleb) Artrip Houghton, Molly (Zack) Palvat Escanaba, Rick Matson of Colorado, Derrick(Jessica) Corp of Ishpeming, Ron Matson III of Arizona, and Jesse, Megan, and Jenna Matson of Munising;  great-grandchildren – Caleb, Serena, Mia, and Brodie Gauthier, Ozzy, Olivia, Ethan, and Isabella Corp, Lilly Artrip, and Oliver, Gerard, Cecelia Palvat; numerous nieces and nephews; and her best friend for over 70 plus years – Marilyn Hebert.

Darlene was preceded in death by her loving parents Viola and Lawrence; her husband of over thirty-eight years Ronald, their son Larry “Bubie” Mrowka, brother Wayne Magnusson, grandchildren Jamie Lee Gauthier, Faith Marie Matson, Drake Sebastian Hart, and great-grandson Chase Jordon Gauthier.  She was also preceded in death by her beautiful and faithful BFF canine companion of thirteen years, Mattie Matson.

Due to the circumstances surrounding Covid, private family services will be held at this time.  Graveside services will be held at the Maple Grove Cemetery in Munising on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jason LaFlamme officiating