2019 Phyllis R. Mattison

Phyllis R. Mattison
April 20, 1930 - February 24, 2019
She gave of herself fully, being well known and loved by all.

Visiting Hours:
Friday, March 8
2:00 - 4:00 p.m.
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Andover
Saturday, March 9
10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church, Andover

Funeral Service:
Saturday, March 9
11:00 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church, Andover

On Sunday, February 24, 2019, having contracted pneumonia, the Holy Spirit wrapped His arms around Phyllis R. Mattison and softly carried her to her eternal home.

Born to Clifford Truman and Edna (Norton) Burdick on the family dairy farm in Andover on Easter Sunday, April 20, 1930, Phyllis’ life was primarily centered in Allegany County for the remaining 88 years of her earthly life.

Phyllis attended a one-room schoolhouse near the family home until entering Andover Central School after 6th grade. There she excelled in music. During her youth she was active in Jr. Grange, 4-H, and Dairymen’s League. Phyllis showed cattle at the Allegany County Fair and was proud of her Victory Garden. One of her 4-H projects still stands today as a grove of evergreens that she planted on the farm.

Phyllis graduated from SUNY at Fredonia in 1952 with a B.A. in Music Education, and later accumulated over 70 graduate hours. She began her teaching career at Rushford Central School, and through the years taught in Whitesville, Wellsville, Alfred-Almond and Richburg Central Schools. Phyllis led classes, bands, and choirs in countless concerts and parades, and conducted All-County Choir. She accompanied many Andover students at Solo-Ensemble Festivals. She loved her school children, especially those she felt were most vulnerable. She retired in 1985.

Phyllis was an accomplished organist and pianist, beginning her career at age ten at the Andover Seventh Day Baptist Church, a position she held until its close in 1956. She transferred her membership to the Alfred Station SDB Church where she remained a life-long member. There she was active as church organist and choir member, also serving as Sabbath School Superintendent and several other positions over the years. Later in life, after retirement and moving to Whitesville, Phyllis enjoyed her involvement with the Chenunda Creek Mennonite Fellowship in Independence, when health permitted.

On August 1, 1953, Phyllis married L. Reid Mattison of Greenwood, at her home in Andover. The two lived in Farmersville Station, Rochester, Ft. Collins CO, Tip-Top, Andover, Wellsville, and finally in Whitesville. During those years Phyllis employed her many talents from sewing clothes to decorating her home.

Phyllis lived her life in the service of others, being very involved in her community. Her soprano voice rang like a bell, and she was an early member of the Genesee Valley Chorus. She played piano and sang for numerous weddings and funerals. Phyllis was a long time member of the Maple Twig of the Jones Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.

Phyllis loved her Savior Jesus Christ and was a devoted daughter who cherished her family’s heritage. She loved her husband all of their 65 years together while they watched over their growing family. She gave of herself fully, being well known and loved by all. She is survived by her husband, L. Reid Mattison, and children Yvonne Bee of Palmyra, and Christian R. (Rebecca) Mattison of Whitesville; her four grandchildren, Maureen L. Wilsey, Whitesville, Rebekah (Caleb) Schauer, Papillion, Neb., Kaitlin (Nicholas) Lee, Guthrie, Okla., and Evan R. Mattison, Whitesville. Phyllis cherished her five great-grandchildren Dayton, Lila and Dawson Schauer; Loralei and Addelyn Lee.

Phyllis was predeceased by her parents and by her brother Carrol T. Burdick; her sisters, Lorraine Burdick, Jane (Burdick) Sisson; and her son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Ernest K. Bee, Jr.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, March 8 at Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.. On Saturday, March 9 there will be visitation at the 1st Presbyterian Church from 10:00 to 11:00 am followed by the funeral service officiated by Rev. Stephen Richard. Phyllis will be interred at Alfred Rural Cemetery. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to Hospice and Home Care, 194 N Main St, Wellsville, NY 14895 or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 1000 Dept. 142 Memphis, TN 38148-0142.