Who Shall Find A Valiant Woman?
Proverbs
Phyllis Matton, CSJ
November 8, 1931- June 17, 2009
Phyllis wrote, “I tried to do my best at whatever the community asked and I am grateful for all I have been given”. Yes, Phyllis did her best from the Twin Cities to Japan to Marshall to Oregon. Her ministries included teaching, administration both in the Twin Cities and in Oregon when she was there to live with, and take care of her parents.
Born in Grand Forks, ND, Phyllis entered the Sisters of St. Joseph on September 8, 1950. At her reception into the community on March 19, 1951, she was given the name of Sister Mary Irene (her mother's name). After teaching at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul, at St. Margaret's Academy in Minneapolis, and studying at the Catholic University in Washington, DC, Phyllis volunteered for ministry in Japan. Her lifelong generosity was so evident as she went when both of her parents were still living. With her great sense of humor, Phyllis had many stories to tell of her experiences in Japan.
Returning from Japan, Phyllis taught at Holy Redeemer School in Marshall, MN and at Academy of Holy Angels, Richfield, MN. She also was a teacher and assistant principal at Derham Hall High School, St. Paul, MN.
In 1987, Phyllis moved to Oregon to care for both her parents. At the same time, she worked in administrative areas at Central Catholic High School, Portland, OR with the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary and with the Benedictine Sisters, several of whom became her good friends. Phyllis returned to St. Paul after the death of her mother.
The descriptions above reveal that Phyllis was fearless in trying new things! And she always brought her sense of fun to all these situations.
For many people, their vision of Phyllis was having a tiny dachshund in tow. Tinkerbelle was the last of her many dogs. She rescued this special-needs dog, one tooth and all, and took good care of her. She was Phyllis’ constant companion, until she had to return her to the adoption agency.
Phyllis had great devotion to her family and they to her. She was so looking forward to going to Oregon early in June for the graduation of one of her grand-nieces, but she wasn’t able to go. What at first didn't seem so serious an illness, advanced quickly and she died after just two weeks at Bethany on June 17, 2009.
Phyllis is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Bonnie, her nieces and nephews, Kathryn, Joel, Dean and Melissa, her grand-nieces and grand-nephews, her care-givers at Bethany, the Sisters of St. Joseph and Consociates and many dear friends. Her funeral was at Bethany Convent, June 22, 2009 with burial in Resurrection Cemetery, St. Paul, MN
After the funeral, some of Phyllis' friends accompanied the cremains to a safe place for the night. Sister Helena Sheridan carried the urn. Helena and Phyllis came from Grand Forks together on the train to enter the community in 1950.
May she rest in peace.
