Beryl Anne Matson, 89, formerly of Piper Hill in Claremont, died Tuesday morning, December 24, 2013 at Saratoga Hospital in Saratoga, NY after a brief illness.

She was born in Claremont, NH on November 3, 1924, the daughter of Henry Harry and Flora (McKinnon) LeClair.

Beryl married Robert Harland Matson, Sr. on November 3, 1942 who passed away on March 1, 2002.

She had worked as welder at General Electric during World War II, while Bob was in the Navy.

Beryl was a very active member of the NH Federation of Republican Women and had stayed involved in politics throughout the years.

She was an avid gardener and took great pride in her flower gardens, especially her roses.  She also enjoyed decorating cakes, knitting, quilting and traveling.

She loved animals and had raised dogs, a rooster, chickens and ducks. She was also a great sports fan especially of the Boston Red Sox and the Patriots.

Beryl was well known for her homemade bread, pies, cookies, cakes and for her beautifully decorated home.

The family includes two sons, Robert H. Matson, Jr., of Watervliet, NY and Barry S. Matson and his wife, Barbara of Clifton Park NY; a daughter-in-law, Sandra Matson of San Diego, CA; ten grandchildren, Rebecca, Kirsten, Robert, Melinda, Sarah, Eric, Dawn, Erin, Heather and Kerry; several great grandchildren; one brother, Andrew LeClair of Walpole and one sister, Lucille Beauchamp of Chestnut Hill, MA; also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was predeceased by one son, William B. Matson in 1979; three brothers, Harry Edward LeClair, Ralph David LeClair and Henry S. LeClair; three sisters, Ailene Kutchey, Hope Cram and Hazel Breault.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2013 at noon at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH with Pastor John Johnson of the First Congregational Church, officiating.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, at the funeral home one hour prior to the funeral services from 11-12PM.

Interment will follow in West Claremont Burying Grounds after which a luncheon will be held at the First Congregational Church.