Memorial Service to be held at a later date.
Janice “Jan” Pender Mattern, 79, died on 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 GrandView 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 masters degree in special education at the University of Iowa before moving to Buffalo, NY . 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, the State President of the Medical Alliance of Virginia, The Living Museum Guild, and the Garden Club of Hampton Roads and a 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; her sister-in-law, Nora Lee Martin (Mike); her brother, Gene Pender (Janice) and a number of cousins, nieces, 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 Reverend Bill Lamont at a later date. Donations may be made to the Virginia Living Museum, Hidenwood Presbyterian Church or a favorite charity in lieu of flowers. Weymouth Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.