Mary (Mattson) Heen

Mary (Mattson) Heen, 72, of Alexandria, and formerly of Clara City and Willmar, passed away peacefully on April 12th, 2019 due to complications from diabetes.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Tuesday, April 16th at Church of St. Mary in Willmar with visitation one hour prior to the mass at the church.  Burial will be in the church cemetery.  Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar.

She was born July 14, 1946, in Willmar, MN, to Russell and Gen (Kavanagh) Mattson.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Faith and attended Willmar Public Schools where she graduated.  On May 7, 1966, she married David Heen at Church of St. Mary.  They made their home on a farm near Clara City where they raised their children, Jeffrey and Melissa, and worked hard to care for the land.

Mary was a dedicated mother first and foremost.  She treasured the gift of her children and embraced every moment with them.  She especially loved her role as a grandmother to Anna and Emily.  Mary genuinely loved children and treated her nieces and nephews (and random other kids) like they were her own.  

Mary was highly skilled at crocheting and her afghans, doilies, tablecloths, Christmas stockings, and many other creations will continue to be treasured by those that received these handmade gifts.

Mary was proud to be a Catholic and found peace in practicing the faith.  Her belief brought her to her forever home and a joyous family reunion with those she loved and missed including her son, Jeffrey Heen; husband, David Heen; daughter Melissa Peterson; father Russell Mattson; mother, Gen Mattson; and sister, Susan Cantor.

She is survived by her brothers: Stephen Mattson of Columbia Heights, Jim Mattson of Columbia Heights, and sister, Anne (John) Nelson, Elk River, granddaughters, Emily and Anna Peterson and several other family members and friends.

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