Matson, Donna Bernice

Donna Bernice Matson, 89, of Cedar Rapids, died June 2, 2010, at St. Luke's Hospital. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, June 4, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories. The Rev. Fred Darbonne will officiate. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. today at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Inurnment will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bernice is survived by her brother, Donald Washburn of Cedar Rapids; two sons, Joel (June) Matson Sr. of Plainfield, Ill., and Bryan Matson of Cedar Rapids; five grandchildren, Arlene (Ted) Roderick, Joel Jr., Cheryl (Kenny) Beckman, Adam (Stacy) Matson and Andrea (Dustin) Rahe; and seven great-grandchildren, Joel III, Zakary, Noah, Henry, Harlan, Samantha and Marissa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilsie and Grace Washburn; brothers, Arnold, Dean and Leland Washburn; and her sister, Fern Cover.

Bernice was born on the Jones farm in Buchanan County, Iowa, the day before Easter on March 26, 1921. Bernice graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1939 and spent her years as a mother and homemaker. She was an active member of Cedar Christian Church for over 50 years, where she participated in the choir, tabular and many committees. Bernice also enjoyed volunteering at the floral shop at St. Luke's Hospital for over 10 years. She loved spending time with family and friends, and finishing the daily crossword in the newspaper. Most of all, she was proud of her two sons, Joel and Bryan.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bernice's honor.

Please leave a message, tribute, or memory to Bernice's family on the Web page,  under obituaries.