NEWPORT NEWS — Janice “Jan” Pender Mattern, 79, died Tuesday, March 9, 2021. Jan was born in Iowa to Mary Lucille and Russell Pender.
She graduated from North High School in Des Moines and attended Grand View College. She graduated with a degree in elementary education from Drake University in 1964. She taught grade school, and then special education, in the Des Moines school system. Jan was working on her Master’s Degree in Special Education at the University of Iowa before moving to Buffalo, New York. While in Buffalo, Jan continued to teach special education at the Children’s Hospital of Buffalo. In 1976, she relocated to Newport News and taught preschool at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church for 15 years.
She was an active member in a number of organizations, including the Newport News Medical Society; State President of the Medical Alliance of Virginia; Virginia Living Museum Guild; Garden Club of Hampton Roads; and teachers sorority, Alpha Delta Kappa (ADK).
Jan was married to John Q. A. Mattern II for 56 years and is survived by her daughter, Jill A.M. Allen (Kevin); son, John Q. A. Mattern III (Robyn); bonus daughter, Julie M. Flint (Andy); grandchildren, Paxton, Quincy, Reese and John IV, Henry, Charlie, Elizabeth and George; sister-in-law, Nora Lee Martin (Mike); brother, Gene Pender (Janice); a number of cousins, nieces and nephews; and a large circle of friends, too numerous to name.
Jan was a member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, where a memorial service will be conducted by the Rev. Bill Lamont at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Living Museum, Hidenwood Presbyterian Church or to a favorite charity.
Share online condolences with the family at Weymouth Funeral Home.
