Elizabeth Easter Mathisen

Elizabeth “Bunny” Mathisen went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on June 2, 2021. She is survived by her children William Mathisen of Miami, FL, Betsy Sherman (Tom) of Orlando, FL, and Susan Steele (Andy) of Alexander City, AL. She is blessed to have four grandchildren who survived her, Daniel Steele of Denver, CO, Ames Gonzalez (Danny) of Birmingham, AL, Kimberly Miller (Joe Cacioppo) of Atlanta, GA, and Abbey Miller of Atlanta, GA. Bunny had two great grandchildren, Daxton and Joanna Gonzalez of Birmingham, AL.

Bunny was married to Raymond H. Mathisen for 65 years until his death in January, 2014. They were long time residents of Coral Gables, FL and faithful members of Granada Presbyterian Church for 33 years before moving to PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, FL there they joined and were active in the First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach, FL.

Bunny was born in Evanston, IL and grew up in Oak Park, IL. She took on the nickname Bunny when she attended and graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign. She was active in many college extra-curricular activities. Most notable in 1946 as Chairman of the Sophomore Cotillion, she secured Tommy Dorsey and his “Big Band” for a campus dance shortly after the end of World War II. This event drew the attention of Raymond Mathisen who had recently returned to the University after serving in World War II under General George Patton. Bunny and Ray were married in 1948.

Bunny was known for her piano playing at various gatherings: church, sorority (Kappa Delta), charities, and family events. She was instrumental in starting a ministry at the Women’s Detention Center in Miami, FL in 1982. She was a discussion leader for Bible Study Fellowship and active in starting the Women’s Pregnancy Center in South Miami, FL. After relocating to Palm Beach Gardens in 1993, she continued her service through First Care Family Resources and the annual Walk for Life.

Bunny’s hobbies and interests included the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, and the Society of the Ark and the Dove. She remained active in the Palm Beach Chapter of these organizations. She and Ray were active global travelers having visited 111 foreign countries which began in the 1980’s while her children William and Betsy worked in the airline industry. Bunny and Ray even visited their daughter, Susan, on a project in Abu Dhabi, UAE when in their late 80’s. Tennis was Bunny and Ray’s sport of choice and they were a fixture on the courts at both Riviera and PGA National Country Clubs.

Bunny will be buried alongside her husband Raymond at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth, FL. Memorial donations can be made to Gideons International, First Care Family Resources-Prolife ministries, or First Presbyterian Church of North Palm Beach, FL-Memorial Fund.