Ellen B. Mattson, 87, of Downsville passed away Monday evening, April 25, 2016 at home following a long illness.

Ellen was born on December 1, 1928 in Downsville, the daughter of the late Carl and Sarah (Close) Brown. She was a graduate of Downsville Central School, Buffalo State University and SUNY at New Paltz. On August 30, 1953 she married Harold "Sonny" Mattson. Ellen was employed for many years at Downsville Central School as an Art Teacher. Later she co-owned Sue-Ellens Country Store. She was also a longtime member of the Delaware Valley Hospital board of trustees and the Colchester Community Church where she served on the finance committee

Ellen enjoyed tending to her flower garden, quilting, bird watching, taking nature walks, reading, and traveling. Ellen was a great communicator who enjoyed writing letters and cards to her family and friends.

Ellen is survived by her loving family, her husband "Sonny", children, Michael and Kate Mattson, Downsville; Mark and Kim Mattson, Downsville; Anne Czymmek, Freeville, NY; Amber and Peter Heimbuecher, Downsville; and Amy and David Hornburg, Groveland; grandchildren, Matthew & Jessica, Kathryn and Zach, Steven and Kirstie, Andrew and Wendy, Amanda, Travis and Andrea, Mallory and Justin, Linnea and Travis, Jessica, Kathie and Chris, Robert and Kelly, Meredith, Madeline, William, Eric, Clayton and Kelsey, Ellen and Scott, Blake, Heidi, David, Jennifer and Cliff, Kelsey and Steven, Collin and Rachel, Cameron, Olivia, 7 great-grandchildren, 2 brothers, Mahlon & Thelma "Dee" Brown of VA, Bill & Doris Brown of FL; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Ellen was predeceased by her daughter, Heather Linnea Mattson June, and her granddaughter, Emily Ruth Czymmek.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Friday evening, April 29, 2016 from 5 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton.

The funeral will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, April 30 at the Colchester Community United Methodist Church, 15151 State Highway 30, Downsville, NY with the Rev. Dale Ashby officiating.

Memorial contributions in Ellen's memory may be made to: Downsville Volunteer Fire Dep. & EMS,P. O. Box AC, Downsville, NY 13755, Colchester Community United Methodist Church, Heat Fund, 15151 State Highway 30, Downsville, NY 13755, or Catskill Area Hospice, 1 Birchwood Drive, Oneonta, NY 13820