Obituary: Carolyn Faye Matten

Carolyn Faye Matten, 86, of Cloquet passed away Friday, Oct. 27, 2023 at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton. She was born Feb. 27, 1937, in Cloquet, the daughter of John and Dolores (Joseph) Garsow. Carolyn graduated from Cloquet High School and worked at Northwest Paper Co. for four years, Conwed Corporation for seven years, and as a diagrammer for USG for 14 years. She was an active member of the Presbyterian Church of Cloquet for over 60 years.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, David Janisch. She is survived by her husband, Alvin Matten; daughter, Marjori Bottila; sons, Eric (Mary) Bottila and John (Jodi) Bottila; grandchildren, Danielle, Anna, Marti, Johnna and Jackie; brothers John (Cathy) Garsow and Brent (Stephanie) Garsow; sisters, Shonna Allen and Helen (Lee) Williams; Alvin Matten’s children, Cheryl (Donald) Peterson, Allison (Steve) Loucks, Lorelei (Jim) Livesay and Eddy (Bob) Matten, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Carolyn spent her youth adventuring in Cloquet, Michigan, Wisconsin, and California before marrying and raising her family.

She was kind, generous, witty, a trusted and faithful friend and a mother admired by people who wistfully wanted her as their own.

She nursed neighbors and friends who were ill and at the end of life, and babies at University Hospital’s nursery at the beginning of life.

She was artistic, creative, and musically blessed. She shared her beautiful voice with family and the community at weddings, funerals, concerts and as a

member of her church choir.

She was there for her children, nurturing, supporting, teaching, laughing, and letting go with grace when the time came. She ensured they made it to countless sporting and school events and was present to cheer them on. She was a good pet mom to several species, none of which she chose to have join the household. She delighted in and loved her five grandchildren. She provided sound counsel, a nonjudgmental ear and compassion.

She was a best friend and partner to her husband, Al, and leaves a positive and permanent impression on the hearts of those fortunate to have known her.

She loved well and was well-loved.

The family thanks the staff of Inter-Faith Health Care Center, St. Croix Hospice, Pastor Gary and Jean Terrio and her loyal and loving friends for their visits, prayers and well wishes.

A private burial took place on Nov. 1. Services are at 11 a.m. Nov. 17 at the Presbyterian Church of Cloquet, with a luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. Arrangements by Nelson Funeral Care of Cloquet.

Pine Knot News, Nov. 10, 2023