Mary Ellen Mattice

Mary Ellen Mattice passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy of deep faith, love, and devotion to her family and friends.

She was born on August 25, 1941, in Benson, Minnesota to William and Gladys Boutain. On September 16, 1961, Mary Ellen married Milt Mattice at St. Malachy’s Church in Clontarf, Minnesota. She spent much of her life in the Twin Cities area, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and community.

She is lovingly survived by her children: daughters, Karen (Mark) Meuwissen, Judi (J.R.) Lynch, and Laurie (Dan) Anderson; and sons, Greg (Lynn) Mattice and Marc (Lori) Mattice. She was a proud grandmother to sixteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.

Mary Ellen worked as a paraprofessional at Pinewood Elementary for 25 years, where she made a quiet but meaningful impact in the lives of students. She was also an active member of St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, where her faith was both nurtured and shared in community.

Her strong and steady faith guided her daily life. Each morning began with a quiet moment, a cup of coffee in hand and her devotional open, grounding her in what mattered most.

Mary Ellen had a special gift for making people feel loved, often through her cooking and baking. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, generosity, and connection, where family and friends gathered and were always welcomed.

She was the biggest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, rarely missing a game or event. Her presence on the sidelines was a constant source of encouragement, pride, and unconditional love. She loved gardening and spending time at the lake with family and friends.

A talented quilter, she spent countless hours creating beautiful quilts and wall hangings. Each piece was made with care and intention, and every one of her descendants has been gifted a quilt, a lasting symbol of her love that will be treasured for generations.

She lived her life by prioritizing what mattered most: her faith, her family, and her friendships. Her legacy is one of quiet strength, selfless love, and a life well-lived.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Milt; her parents, William and Gladys Boutain; great granddaughter, Cora Ingebretson; granddaughter, Ashley Walter; siblings, Bonita Hughes and Bill Boutain; in-laws, Sally and Jim Erb, Shari Boutain, and Frank Hughes.

Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 AM Thursday, March 26 at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes with visitation from 10-11 AM.  Interment St. Joseph's Cemetery.

A special thanks to Mary Ellen's dear friend, Michele Keller, for all her love and support.

Mary Ellen will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew and loved her.