Debbra “Debbie” Lynnette Mattson, 60

Debbra “Debbie” Lynnette Mattson, passed peacefully into God’s hands Saturday, January 18, 2014, at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND at the age of 60, surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Debbie, the daughter of the late Donald and late Della (Sather) Mattson, was born February 26, 1953, in Fargo, ND while her father was attending North Dakota State Ag College (now known as NDSU).  Upon his graduation, the family moved back to Roseau.
Growing up, Debbie played baseball with the neighborhood boys, took baton lessons and was a member of the ice skating club, appearing in a number of Ice Shows.  During her high school years, Debbie was your typical teenager who enjoyed listening to the Beatles, Rolling Stones and Herman’s Hermits (Silhouettes was Debbie’s favorite song).  During this time, she became a “pool rat” because she loved to swim so much.  Debbie eventually earned her lifeguard certificate, something she was always very proud of.  Debbie was a member of the high school band, choir and graduated from Roseau High School with the Class of 1971.  Debbie was confirmed at the Messiah Lutheran Church.
After high school, Debbie proudly followed in her father’s footsteps and attended NDSU in Fargo to pursue a pharmacy degree. In 1972, while in college, at the age of 19, Debbie was thrown a curve ball by being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).  While many young people in her shoes may have given up hope, Debbie picked herself up and carried on. She was not going to let her MS get the best of her and was bound and determined to get her degree.  While at NDSU, Debbie was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and graduated with her pharmacy degree in the spring of 1977.
After college, Debbie moved to Minneapolis, where she worked as a pharmacist at the Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) for the next six years. In 1983, Debbie moved back to Roseau to work at the family business, Mattson Pharmacy. Debbie would continue to work at Mattson Pharmacy and later on at the Greenbush Pharmacy, until her retirement in 2009.
Once retired, Debbie loved to spend time at her mother’s lake home at Sandy Shores, located on Lake of the Woods. Debbie’s greatest joy, however, was spending as much time as possible with her nieces and nephews. They were the joy of her life! No one loved children more than Debbie.  
Debbie is survived by her brothers Dean (Judy), Brett (Jane), both of Roseau, Bradd (Sherry) of Crystal, MN, sister-in-law Debra Mattson of Eagan, MN as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother Della, brother Drew, stepfather Erwin Snustead, and father Donald.  
Visitation was held on Friday, January 24th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau with a devotional service following at 7:00 PM. The funeral service was held at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Roseau on Saturday, January 25th at 10:00 AM with Pastor Michael Berry officiating. Interment was at the Hope Cemetery in Roseau in the Mattson family plot, following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Upper Midwest MS Society.
Helgeson Funeral Home