Mattie Elizabeth (Copenhaver) LaForce passed away at the Cooney Convalescent Home in Helena on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at the age of 99.
Mattie was born February 9, 1920 at the family’s home three miles west of Bozeman, MT. She was the third of five children born to Hazel and Roy Copenhaver. Her father did ranch work in the Gallatin Valley while her mother was a homemaker. The children attended Monforton Grade School, west of Bozeman and Gallatin High School in Bozeman.
After her graduation from high school, Mattie went to work on a large farm near Watsonville, California. Soon, family matters caused her to return to Montana. After a few more years back in the Gallatin area, Mattie, her sister, Mary and brother, Sam relocated to Helena. Mattie enrolled in a business school and upon graduation, was employed at Schroeder Brothers Insurance.
In April 1950, Mattie married Christian M. LaForce who worked in the wholesale grocery business in Helena. Chris was a ten-year veteran of the US Navy, and had developed a passion for travel. Together they traveled to all fifty states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. They also embarked on several Caribbean cruises, including one which took them through the Panama Canal.
They had no children. They both worked hard and owned a comfortable home on Helena’s west side. Both retired in the early 1980s. In April of 2000 they celebrated fifty years of marriage. Mattie was a life member of Miriam Chapter No.1 Order of the Eastern Star.
From an early age, Mattie was an accomplished musician, mostly self-taught. She played the piano, organ and accordion. Her brother, Jim, played guitar and keyboard. Together in their younger years, they played for weekend dances throughout the Gallatin, Livingston and Wilsall areas. Her ‘Estes’ pump organ remained with her through the five years she resided at Son Heaven.
In his later years, Chris developed a heart condition which took his life in 2006. Mattie lived alone until January 2013 when she fell at home, breaking her shoulder. Upon recovery she became a full-time resident at Son Haven. Another fall in 2018 broke her right hip. The surgery was a success but she refused efforts to restore her mobility. She was moved to the Cooney Home in December of 2018. The well-trained staff at Cooney and Compassus Hospice worked tirelessly to save her but her condition declined.
Mattie was preceded in death by her husband, Chris; her siblings, Mary, Joe, Jim and Sam; her parents, Hazel and Roy and numerous cousins
A family service will be planned at a later date for interment next to her dear Christian, at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison in Helena.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Doris Elizabeth copenhaver says
Loved you and Uncle Chris to the Moon and back. I know you arrived safely and are once in the arms of Uncle Chris. We sure had some good times and wonderful conversations. I miss you but you and Uncle Chris will always be with me. Love you sweetheart. Doris
Bruce D. Mihelish says
Mattie was very special in my business career. I was 25 when I went to work with Mattie at Schroeder Bros. It was 1977. She was a real pro and taught me so much about running a business. I most appreciate her strong business discipline and solid insurance knowledge. She was a stickler for detail. She was also very tolerant and patient with my youthful enthusiasm. She always was there to support me and the rest of our staff. Mattie was in charge. We lost touch over the past 30 yrs. after her retirement, but I’ve never lost my deep respect for this good lady. RIP Mattie. You made a difference in my life along with so many others. 😥🙏
Sue Jackson says
To My classmate, Terry and my good friend, Doris–I know you loved and admired “Aunt Mattie.” She was a dynamite lady, no wonder that you and your families were devoted to her. She was a special woman to inspire such respect and admiration. Sue Jackson
Amy Marshall says
To the Family of Mattie,
My Mom, Marlene Brighton & Mattie were at Son Heaven at the same time. We enjoyed Mattie and her sense of humor, she was a little spit-fire and always had some good stories to tell us especially about her brothers and her playing music together. I could tell she had quite a history and had many more stories.
We had no idea her age and was so surprised to know she was 99 yrs old. We were blessed to have known her, we will always remember her.
Our Condolences to you.
Amy Marshall and Brighton Family
Beth Voyles says
I was working at Son Heaven on the day that Mattie came to live there and fell immediately in love with this wonderful lady and her family. I loved hearing all of her stories and especially about all of the traveling her and her husband did. She always teared up when she talked about him. She had such a wonderful sense of humor and a twinkle in her eye. It was wonderful listening to her playing her beloved organ and the piano in the community sitting room. I was really bummed when I heard she had passed away but know she is with her beloved husband and the rest of her family that have gone before her. To her family…thank you for allowing the employees of Son Heaven to have the privilege of taking care of this beautiful lady. I am so very sorry for your loss. She truly was and always be a very special person that was lived by all who knew her. You all have my sincere condolences.