Helen Matelson, 92, of Silver City, NM

Category: Obituaries Obituaries
Published: 27 March 2017 27 March 2017

Helen Matelson rsHelen Matelson, 92, November 26, 1924 - March 24, 2017

No shortage of adventures in Helen's life. Back to college at 40, Environmental Planner for CalTrans, world-wide birdwatching travel. Born in Newport News, Virginia, she married Joseph Matelson and moved to Southern California, raised three daughters, and retired at 55 as an environmentalist and ace birdwatcher.

Top on her list of favorites is Silver City NM where she found friends, fun, beautiful landscape and skies, and purpose as a top-notch Single Socks volunteer for seven years. Bingo at the Senior Center, Scrabble at Javalina, and Gin Rummy tournament finalist at Yankie Creek. "I played scrabble with your mom today," "Saw your mom today!" I heard this every day because she was out and about everywhere with her walker and her friends who cared for her and shared so much.

Predeceased by her father William Gordon, who died when she was 2 years old, her mother Bertha Gordon who died at 88, and three older brothers Leonard, Jay, and Jerry Gordon, who lived into their 90s, and her husband Joseph Matelson who died at 84, March 28, 2002. Missing her now, her older sister Carlyn Katz of Fort Lauderdale FL, her daughters Teri Matelson of Silver City, Wendy Wickland of Salt Spring Island, BC, and Gail Matelson of Bellingham, Washington. Thanks to you all who befriended her, laughed with her, and cared about her. It enhanced her life beyond words, as it did mine. We love you, dahlin!

In lieu of flowers, a donation to New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (nmwild.org) or League of Conservation Voters (lcv.org) in Helen's name would be a wonderful tribute in her honor. Cremation will take place at Terrazas Crematory.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels and Crematory "Trusted care for the ones you love" ~ 575-537-0777.

To send condolences, visit www.terrazasfuneralchapel.com.

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