BOMBER MEMORIAL

JANE L. MATTOON CARLSON ~ Class of 1962 Honorary
December 6, 1944 - September 23, 2026



Jane L. (Mattoon) Carlson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and devoted friend, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, at the age of 81.

She leaves behind a lifetime of accomplishments, cherished friendships, wonderful memories, and, most importantly, the love of the many people whose lives she touched.

Jane was born on December 6, 1944, in Albany, New York, to Benjamin and Sara Mattoon. Throughout her life, Jane was a testament to determination, perseverance, and the belief that it is never too late to pursue a dream. While working and raising a family, she attended night school for years, putting in countless hours of study and sacrifice. Her hard work culminated in 1999, when she graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration - a remarkable accomplishment of which she was deservedly proud.

She devoted more than 30 years of her professional life to the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, Washington. She retired in 2010 as a Senior Administrator in the Laboratory Directors Office. During her long career at PNNL, Jane made a lasting impact on the people she worked with and the organization she proudly served. Her dedication, professionalism, and genuine care for others earned her the respect and friendship of many.

But Jane's greatest legacy was not found on a résumé. It was found in the relationships she built and the lives she touched.

Jane was a true friend - someone who made people feel welcome, valued, and cared for. She had a remarkable ability to bring people together, and she loved nothing more than hosting gatherings of family and friends, often without any special occasion or reason other than simply being together. Her home was a place where people could gather, share a meal, tell stories, laugh, and make memories.

She also had a deep curiosity about the world and a love of travel. She was fortunate to explore many wonderful places throughout her life, including Japan, Spain, Mexico, Morocco, China, Norway, and many others. Her travels reflected her adventurous spirit and her desire to experience different cultures, people, and places.

Jane is survived by her brother, David ('66), and his wife, Leslie; her daughter, Lisa; her son, Todd, and his wife, Dawn; and her beloved grandson, Jared - the apple of her eye and a source of immense joy and pride.

She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, adventurous spirit, unwavering friendship, and the warmth she brought into the lives of those around her. She made an impact wherever she went and leaves behind a legacy measured not only by what she accomplished, but by the love she gave so freely.

Jane was loved by many and will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Her memory will live on in the stories shared, the friendships she nurtured, the places she explored, the gatherings she hosted, and, most of all, in the hearts of her family and friends.

Published by the Tri-City Herald from September 29 to October 1, 2026.

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Bomber Memorial put together by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).