Sylvia Jean Mathena

Sylvia Jean Mathena, Jean to her family and friends, passed away on February 17, 2025.

Jean was born in Weatherford, OK. In childhood, her family moved to Redlands, California, where she attended school, graduating from Redlands High School in 1958.

Jean met her future husband, John, in 1954 after he dropped his work gloves and she returned them to his house the next day. That led to a date at a football game and then a dance the following week. The rest unfolded into a loving and enduring marriage of 67 years.

Following her marriage to John, Jean continued her work at the Bank of America. The couple bought their first house in San Bernardino in 1961. This led to a lifetime of pride in her homes, always spotless and organized.

Always amazing with a sewing machine, creating everything from curtains to ball gowns.

Jean was an active school volunteer, election worker, and a good friend.

Jean was proud of having been a Girl Scout and it carried into her life as a wife and mother. She was excellent at organizing camping and boating trips. Everyone always had fun and nothing was left undone. One of her proudest achievements was climbing the summit of Mt. Lassen. She was also accomplished on ice skates, roller skates, and even gave roller blades a go. The family has a fond memory of her on water skis on Trinity Lake.

Alongside husband John, Jean was a welcome presence at the Riverview Country Club, The Elks Lodge, The Redding Rotary, and a variety of civic organizations. Jean and John were active square dancers and enjoyed travel by RV. They also had trips to Hawaii, Alaska, The Panama Canal, and New York City.

Survived by loving and devoted husband John of Redding, Ca, son John Jr., and his life partner Michael Forester of New York and son Tom and wife Cathy of Harvard, ID. Granddaughter Kelly is a student at the University of Idaho.