Joan Elizabeth Mattson

Joan Elizabeth Mattson (92) passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026, in Tampa, Florida. She was born on December 23, 1933, in Bound Brook, New Jersey. Joan lived in Middlesex New Jersey while growing up with her parents and brother. She attended Becker Junior College in Worcester, MA, where she earned her associate’s degree and met her future husband Ronald Mattson from Barre, Vermont.

Joan and Ron were married on May 18, 1957, and lived in Brookfield, Connecticut for 50+ years. They lived in a wonderful neighborhood on Powder Horn Hill raising their two daughters Patricia and Lisa with wonderful neighbors where they formed lifelong friendships.

Joan worked at Bell Labs, Murray Hill, N.J., Sperry Products/Data Controls, Danbury, CT., and for Herb Geiling Associates in Brookfield, CT.

Joan was an active parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church in Brookfield. She was a member of the Martha & Mary Ministry and past president of the Confraternity. She loved being part of a creative church group that for years put on a Minstrel show where tap dancing was her favorite activity. She donated her time to the church anyway she could, cooking for the St. Patrick’s dinner dance with Ron and friends, taking photos with Santa at the Christmas Bazar and preparing for Parish picnics.

Joan became a member of the Rotary Club of Brookfield in 1987. She was elected as the first female president of the club in 1990. While a Rotarian she served on numerous committees and was awarded three Paul Harris Fellows. Joan was also a volunteer for many years for Reach to Recovery through the Cancer Society and received the TBTA volunteer award for her hours of volunteerism to the Brookfield Playhouse and community.

After the passing of her husband in 2012, Joan moved to Tampa, Florida in 2014, leaving behind the snow and welcoming the sunshine. She lived here independently making new friends and became involved in the A & E group at St. Paul’s Catholic Church. She eventually moved to Arbor Terrace Citrus Park where she became part of a loving and caring community and was everyone’s friend.

Joan was an avid gardener and reader, enjoyed jazz and classical music, crazy socks and early morning walks with her friends. She loved playing bridge and over the years was a member of multiple bridge groups in both Connecticut and Florida. She loved sports and her favorite time of the year was the Autumn football season.

Joan’s greatest joy was her family. She adored being “Mum Mum” to her four grandchildren and 3 three great grandchildren as well as others who considered her “Mum Mum”. Joan was not the typical grandmother. Her grandchildren always considered her as being cool and fun to hang out with. They thought it was amazing that their 92-year-old grandmother could actually text or facetime with them on her own.

Joan was a cancer survivor for 40 years and although she had to endure serious physical difficulties over the last few years, she never gave up. She was a fighter and wasn’t going to let anything hold her back. She believed strongly in her faith and knew God would guide her through the tribulations ahead. She always believed that sharing a smile or a “hello” would go a long way and she was an inspiration to many. Joan will be remembered by her family and friends as a loving person, always ready to listen and to lend a helping hand. She was thankful for the many friends who became part of her family.

Joan will be missed by her two daughters, Patricia Hartlage and her husband Chris of Tampa, FL and Lisa Paulding and her husband Randy of Schwenksville, PA; four grandchildren Brian Hartlage, Tyler Hartlage, Dana Cahill and her husband Sean and Darcey McCready and her husband Adam; three great grandchildren Avery, Aubrey and Ryan Cahill as well as several nieces and nephews.

Joan is predeceased by her parents, John and Elizabeth (Janecek) Indrikovic, her brother John Indrikovic and husband Ronald Mattson.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church on November 21st, 2026 at 11:30 AM located at 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL. 33618.

In lieu of flowers, donations to LifePath Hospice, Susan G. Komen, or St. Judes in honor of Joan Mattson would be greatly appreciated.