Marilyn Mattson

With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Marilyn Mattson, a cherished partner, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, on September 18, 2026. Born on January 31, 1944, in Santa Monica, CA, Marilyn lived with vibrant energy, creative spark, and a warm, generous spirit. She will be dearly missed. Marilyn was born to Geraldine Brillhart and William Mattson. She is survived by her devoted partner, Christopher Johnson, her loving son, John Lund, his wife Alycia, and her precious granddaughters, Uma and Mira. Marilyn's sisters, Suzanne Brillhart and Marsha Joy, also mourn her loss, alongside countless friends and admirers whose lives she touched deeply. A woman of many talents, Marilyn possessed an innate sense of artistry and elegance. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from UCLA and launched her career in Los Angeles, designing for five junior sportswear manufacturers. Her journey took her to Albuquerque, NM, where she lived and worked in an artist live-work community. During this time, Marilyn served as an art consultant for Creative Connections Gallery, representing more than one hundred distinguished Southwest artists, placing their work with major collectors. After the birth of her son, Marilyn returned to her fine art roots, focusing on portraiture. Her more than fifty portrait commissions, many of children, were known for their warmth and emotional resonance. She further refined her craft through study with renowned Bay Area artists and extensive travels across Europe, drawing inspiration from masters of Impressionism and Abstract Expressionism. In recent years, Marilyn painted vibrant coastal landscape and botanical-themed series, particularly from Mendocino County and its Coast Botanical Gardens. Marilyn's artistic journey was paralleled by her passion for holistic healing. In 2007, she obtained certification from the Acupressure Institute in Berkeley and The Avalon School of Massage Therapy in Walnut Creek. Over the next near 20 years, her skill, intuitive touch, and great kindness earned her a strong reputation among her corporate and private clients. A longtime member of the Unity Center of Walnut Creek, Marilyn often attended services with her sister Marsha Joy. Her presence was a light that illuminated every room, and she relished organizing gatherings for concerts, art openings, and shared meals. An accomplished pianist, Marilyn frequently graced parties and events with her music, accompanied by her beloved partner and musician Christopher. Marilyn's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who enriched her life. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Unity Center of Walnut Creek. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, October 12th, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Unity Center of Walnut Creek, located at 1871 Geary Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94597. In the words of of one of Marilyn's favorite poets, John O'Donohue, "Let us not look for you only in memory, where we would grow lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence, beside us when beauty brightens, when kindness glows and music echoes eternal tones." Marilyn's spirit will forever be a guiding presence, inspiring us to live with the same love and grace that she embodied.