Mabelle Matheson

Mabelle Elizabeth Matheson departed this life on January 27, 2026. She was the loving wife of Donald Joseph Collings (Don), sister of Lance A Matheson (Jan) of Christiansburg, Virginia, Mark H Matheson of Kailua, Hawaii and Lael Donaldson of Valley Center, California. In addition, she leaves sister in laws, Avis Williamson (Herb), Virginia Collings (Gene) , Betty Lund (Wayne) and brother in law Kenny Collings all of Williston, North Dakota, cousins Cassandra Rodgers, Barbara Marco (Steve) of Dixon, Illinois, Richard Stienheider (Judy) of Leesburg, Virginia, Jimmy Steinheider (Sally) of Kansas City, Kansas and numerous nieces and nephews in California, Virginia, Texas, Wyoming, Minnesota and North Dakota.

Mabelle retired as the librarian from Hart Elementary School in North Chicago, Illinois and as the officials assigner for the Great Lakes Officials Association. She was recently inducted into the BigK Officials Hall of Fame for her contribution over 27 years as the officials assigner. Hundreds of officials got their start under Mabelle’s guidance.

Mabelle was a lover of books, flowers, cats and farm where her mother and aunt were born. She was a prolific reader and would often be found with a book in her hand and cat or two in her lap. Her flowers were the talk of the neighborhood, and she always took a bouquet to doctor offices and put a smile on neighborhood walkers. She loved trips to Hill Den Farm. During a recent Barn Tour of Whiteside and Lee Counties, Mabelle was one of the tour guides and spokespersons about the history of Hill Den Farm.

Mabelle is preceded by her parents, Arthur Ralph Matheson and Lenore Hey Matheson, two brother in laws, Gene and Tom both of Williston, cousin George (Denise) from Dixon and her favorite aunt, Helen Rodgers of Dixon.

Memorial visitation will take place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Congdon Funeral home from 3:00 - 6:00 pm followed by a memorial service at 6:00 pm. A graveside service at the Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon, Illinois near her parents, uncle, aunt and cousins will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at the following link, https://www.lbda.org/donate/