Helen Dayton Matlick

Helen Dayton Matlick, age 96 and a resident of Pass Christian, passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2011, in Gulfport.
Helen lived and raised her family in Louisville, Kentucky, where her husband had a publishing company. There she celebrated a love of life through gardening, refinishing furniture, and cards, especially bridge. She attended the University of Louisville from which, in her 40's, she graduated with honors in psychology and the Russian language, with a minor in anthropology.
When her husband, J.O., was named Commisioner of Natural Resources for the State of Kentucky, they moved to the state capitol, Frankfurt, while retaining the ""home place"" in Louisville. In Frankfurt, she expanded her experiences by working with an institute for the mentally handicapped. She and her husband took up house boating on the Kentucky River. It was during this time that J.O. created the honorary ""Kentucky Admirals"" organization.
Twenty-three years ago she moved to Pass Christian, where she became very involved with Trinity Episcopal Church, belonging to the Altar Society and St. Monica's Guild. She belonged to the Pass Christian Isles Golf Club, the Pass Christian Yacht Club, Friends of the Library, the Metropolitan Dinner Club, the Symphony Guild and Center Stage. She continued to love playing cards, attending plays, and enjoying dinners with friends and was always an avid reader, checking out a stack of books from the library every week.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry H. Dayton and her husband, J.O. Matlick.
Surviving family members include her daughter, Mary Helen Schaeffer and son-in-law Philip Schaeffer of Pass Christian; her son, Dayton H. Matlick and wife Patricia of Raleigh, NC. Grandchildren include Scott Matlick of Lansing, MI; Lesley Castle of Raleigh, NC; Dr. Greg Matlick and wife Christy of Asheville, NC; Peter Hoisington and wife Susan of Medina, OH; Joe Hoisington and wife Josey of Commerce Township, MI; Heather Brittingham and husband Jay of Raleigh, NC; and Jonathan Schaeffer of Juneau, Alaska.
Great grandchildren include Ray, Brittany, and Dan of Ohio; Dayton, Maddie, and Steward of North Carolina; Ben, Chris, Jessie, and Cassie of Michigan. Kira Hoisington is the only great-great grandchild-so far.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 10, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 125 Church Avenue in Pass Christian, where friends may visit one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Live Oak Cemetery.
Donations can be made in Helen's name to the Trinity Episcopal Church, or to the Pass Christian Public Library.
The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 135 West Second Street in Pass Christian, is in charge of arrangements.
For more information please call (228)-539-9800.