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OBITUARY

BRYNN MARIE MATSEN

February 04, 2013

Brynn lived a purpose filled life

Brynn was born in Seattle on Nov. 14, 1952, to William J. and Mary Dreyer. She spent her childhood years in Rockville, Md., and her teenage years in Altadena, Calif.

She began her professional career in Seattle, after graduating from the University of Washington in 1974, with a BA. She then went on to get an MSW at EWU in 1981, nine professional certificates and a pending doctorate from WSU.

She last worked as a facilitator for OSPI and Northwest Evaluation Association in 2004, as a superintendent intern and Literacy/Assessment director and Federal Programs director in Mabton from 1999 to 2003, Regional Assessment Coordinator ESD 105 in Yakima from 1997 to 2000, kindergarten and then primary teacher in Bickleton from 1988 to 1997, clinic manager at Planned Parenthood in Yakima from 1981 to 1983, executive director of Lower Valley Hospice in Sunnyside from 1979 to 1981, counselor at Seattle Planned Parenthood from 1975 to 1978, and program director at Population Dynamics in Seattle from 1974 to 1975. She trained counselors for United Way of Yakima and Birthright of Sunnyside. Brynn's heartfelt desire was for all children to have their needs met starting at home.

Brynn and Steve were married on Nov. 11, 1978 in Seattle. They moved to the family farm, where they made their home.

She was a member of the Bickleton Presbyterian Church.

She volunteered at the ACPA Carousel museum.

Brynn survived open heart surgery in June of 2010 and dedicated herself to rehab with acupuncture and TaiChi as crucial healing. Brynn died on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2013, at Kadlec Reginal Medical Center, of complications from pneumonia.

Brynn is survived by her husband of 34 years, Steve Matsen; daughter, Mary (Keith) Averill Matsen-Reed of Eugene, Ore.; sons, Justin C. "Duke" Matsen of Spokane and Anthony J. Matsen of Boise, Idaho; granddaughter, Madeleine Avigail Matsen-Reed; her mom, Mary Dreyer and stepfather, John Watson; stepmother, Janet Dreyer; sisters, Susan (Michael) King and Kari (Erik) Dreyer-Goldman; seven nieces and nephews; aunts, Jean (Dale) O'Grady, Mickey (Fred dec) Schrick, and Elaine Cobb.

Brynn was present for the birth of her first grandchild, which gave her great joy.

Memorials may be sent to Kadlec Cardio-Pulmonary Phase III program to include TaiChi, or the Bickleton Elementary School Travel and Playground Fund.

Viewing and visitation will be held Friday, Feb. 8, 2013, from 2 to 8 p.m. at Smith Funeral Home in Sunnyside. Memorial services will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at 11a.m. at Bickleton Evangelical community Church in Bickleton.

Those wishing to sign Brynn's on-line memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com

Smith Funeral Homes Ltd. and Crematory in Sunnyside is in charge of arrangements.

Brynn lived an adventure-filled life, traveling to Greece, China, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Germany, Scotland, France and Italy.

To be continued....