Date of Death: April, 22 2018

          Vivian Selina (Mattonen) Harrison, 92 of Hyde, passed away on April 22, 2018, peacefully at home. She was born at the family home in Cedardale, MI on January 15, 1926, to Alex and Hilia (Vennie) Mattonen.  She attended a one room school house near the family home. The Cederdale school only provided education through the 8th grade. That did not limit her from accomplishing a great deal in her lifetime. At the young age of fourteen, she stayed with an aunt in Escanaba after getting a job at the House of Ludington as a waitress. Viv would tirelessly wait tables and do other duties as assigned during all three dining shifts.  At times, she would rest in a friend’s room upstairs, between split shifts. She later worked at other restaurants including, Coney Island & Kallio’s Fairway Dinette in Wells for many years. 
 
          Vivian married Maurice Harrison on July 28, 1945. In their early married years, they worked side by side in the woods. After purchasing property in Cedardale, they built a camp. They spent many wonderful moments there, always welcoming anyone who stopped by. Viv labored in the garden next her husband, where you could find her driving the Farm-all tractor as she worked the field. 
          She was taught the value of hard work as a young child growing up on the family farm and labored throughout her entire life as the result of her early experience. After working hard and saving, Viv and Maurice built a family home in Soo Hill which was their residence for many years.
          At age 89 she purchased a new home…this was indicative of how truly young at heart she was. Once settled, she began feeding the birds and spent many hours watching them with her cat.  She purchased a new John Deere riding mower and would suit up in her yellow and green JD t-shirt and cap to mow the grass.
          Vivian was a member of Central United Methodist Church where she served on the Pasty Committee alongside her church friends. She also was a member of the UAW Harnischfeger Retirees organization that met monthly. 
          She is survived by her two daughters and their spouses; Verna (Lee) Anderson of Gladstone, and Marilyn (Tom) Trudgeon of Escanaba, sister, Viola Sloan of Watson.  Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, many good and cherished friends. Her cat Sophia and her precious grand-dog, Molly.
          Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Maurice. Brothers; Ernest, Wilho, Leslie, & Hugo Mattonen and sister Violet Straka,  Also preceding her in death was her only grandchild Torri Lynn Rogers.
          She will be remembered for her warm loving personality, a penchant for hard work, the wisdom well beyond her education and her kind spirit.  All who knew her will surely miss her. Give our love to Dad and Torri as you join them in Heaven Mom!
          Friends may call from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Monday April 30, 2018 at Central United Methodist Church. A funeral service to celebrate the life of Vivian Harrison will be held at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Monday at church with Rev. Elise Low Edwardson officiating. A luncheon will follow services in the church fellowship hall. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery.
          The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to OSF Home Health/Hospice for their assistance during mom’s final weeks.
          In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Delta Animal Shelter, 6975 County Rd. 426, Escanaba, MI 49829 or Central United Methodist Church, 322 S. Lincoln Rd, Escanaba, MI 49829.
          The Allo Coolman Funeral Homes are assisting the family.
          Please visit www.allofh.com to send online condolences to her family.