Obituary

Diana Lee Mathison passed away on Tuesday, January 25th, in Bellingham, Washington, after a 24 year long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born to Henry and Dolores DiAngelo on December 21, 1961 at West Point, in Highland Fall, NY. She grew up in an Air Force family, and lived in several different states. During college, a summer job took to her to a remote fish cold storage plant in Sand Point, Alaska.

When she walked in the door to the slime line, she caught the eye of Brian Mathison, who said, “I’m gonna marry that girl!” They were married in 1987, and together they had two children: Heather and Dominic.

Diana loved to learn and loved to teach. She graduated from the University of Washington in 1985 with degrees in Geology, Mathematics, and a minor in Spanish. A year later she earned a teaching certificate from University of Alaska Fairbanks. She taught math in several places, always leaving students impressed and inspired by her dedication and kindness.

At the young age of 37, Diana faced her first cancer diagnosis. From that very first day, Diana was more concerned about how her illness would affect her family and friends than she was worried about herself. She adopted the mottos, “Don’t worry about the ‘WHAT IF’s” and “PMA! (Positive Mental Attitude)” and she lived by these – which was a true source of inspiration to all that knew her. Her family and her relationship with God were important parts of her life, and sources of strength. She also had deep gratitude for her health care providers over the years. They not only provided wonderful medical care, but also became friends.

During her 34-year marriage to Brian, they decided to live their lives without cancer dictating their moves, as much as possible. They lived in many interesting places – Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, Ft. Lauderdale, India, Montana, and Utah – and travelled to many more, including all 50 states (she loved a good road trip). Her interests included rock hounding, outdoor activities such as fishing and gardening, berry picking and canning jam, photography, and she loved live music. Family and friends describe her as kind and compassionate, intelligent, resilient and upbeat, and a quiet warrior.

Diana is predeceased by her father, Colonel Henry DiAngelo, and brother-in-law Kevin Mathison. She is survived by her mother, Dolores DiAngelo; husband, Brian; children Heather (Connor Knecht) and Dominic; sisters Dolores (Bob Blasco), Carolyn (Jeff Winslow); sisters-in-law Michelle (Dan Fodrini), Jennifer (Eric Keirn), and Tuan Mathison; nieces/nephews Alex Owen, Lewis Owen, Blair DiAngelo, Henry Winslow, Carissa Mathison, Cameron Mathison, and Jason Fodrini, as well as many loving friends and church family.

Diana will be honored at a celebration of life on Sunday, June 12 at the West Beach Amphitheater, Deception Pass State Park (time to TBD).

Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6,7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Presbyterian Hospitality House (PHH Alaska). Diana spent two years working for PHH as a teaching parent in a group foster home for at-risk Alaskan youth.