Jane Hamilton Mattson

Jane Hamilton Mattson was born on March 13, 1930, in Wisconsin to Edward and Esther Hamilton. From an early age, her life was filled with family, music, and love; a foundation that nurtured the deep and lasting relationships she cherished throughout her life. With six siblings and many nieces and nephews, Jane was surrounded by loved ones. Each one held a special place in her heart, just as dear to her as the family she later built with the love of her life, Jerry.

Jane and Jerry’s love story began in childhood, singing together in the choir at the Methodist Church in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota. Even at a young age, their bond was something rare and beautiful. They often said how lucky they were to be married to their best friend — a love that endured for over 65 years.

Faith, art, and travel were the cornerstones of Jane’s life. These weren’t just interests — they were passions that shaped who she was. She poured her heart into the church, devoted countless hours to artistic expression, and embraced the joy of discovery through travel. Art, in particular, was more than a pastime for Jane. After studying at the Art Institute, she created everything from stained glass windows to stunning watercolor and oil paintings. She also had a flair for design and loved decorating and redecorating their homes as they moved through different chapters of life.

In the midst of their journey, Jane stood as a pillar of strength and support for Jerry. When a recruiter reached out with a position at International Multifoods — a Fortune 500 company based in Minneapolis — Jerry made the bold decision to leave General Dynamics after 20 years. He went on to serve another 20 years as Vice President of Human Resources before retiring in 1992. Through it all, Jane was his steadfast partner, offering unwavering encouragement and support behind every success.

After decades of dedication and hard work, Jane and Jerry embraced retirement with the same passion they had brought to every part of life. Their first international trip took them to Africa, where they embarked on a safari, met local tribes, and soared in a hot-air balloon over the Serengeti. That trip ignited a shared love of adventure and cultural discovery. From Egypt and Thailand to Israel, Italy, Hungary, and the Caribbean, they explored the world with open hearts and curious minds. Jane especially loved learning about people and places firsthand, always eager to dive into new cultures and experiences.

Through the years, Jane’s love for the church and music remained constant. She and Jerry were actively involved in Sun City Methodist Church, where their faith continued to guide and inspire them.

Together, Jane and Jerry built a beautiful family. They were blessed with two sons, Larry and Daniel; a daughter-in-law, Kathy; two granddaughters, Laurie and Susan; five great-grandchildren — Haly, Gabriel, Joseph, Daniel, and Nicolette; and a great-great-granddaughter, Camila — with another great-great-granddaughter on the way.

Jane's legacy lives on in each of them — in their love, in their memories, and in the values she passed down. Her life was one of deep connection, creative spirit, and joyful curiosity. She will be deeply missed, but her light continues to shine through those who knew and loved her.