Oakland

Hollis Nan Matson passed away peacefully at home in Oakland, California, on April 28, 2025. She lived with authenticity and passion and after a short illness died on her own terms.

Hollis earned a Degree in Public Health in 1962 from Mankato State University in Minnesota. She began her long career in education as a teacher at Winona High School in Minnesota. She also taught at Ohio State University in Columbus, and in the state of New York University system. She retired from San Francisco State University where she taught and served in the faculty administration.

She is survived by Deborah Royal, her wife of 40 years. Together they shared a life of love, mutual respect and adventure. They traveled the world developing deep appreciation for the people and culture of countries they visited, especially Nepal. They also shared the companionship and joy of their Tibetan Terrier dogs Namchi, Sierra and Jackson.

Hollis was born August 4,1940 in Redwood Falls, Minnesota to Sheriff George Matson and Emma Discher Matson. In addition to Deborah, Hollis is survived by sister Tedda Becker of Carbondale, Illinois, brother Mark Matson of Hillsboro, Oregon, nephew Jeffrey Becker and his wife Renee, and nieces Alison Becker Schmulbach and husband Eric, in addition to 10 great nieces and nephews.

Hollis considered a large and diverse circle of friends and colleagues as extended family. She held high standards and generously gave her time, considerable energy and talents to the causes she believed in, particularly women's rights and animal welfare.

She will be deeply missed and remembered well for her strength, intellect and ability to gracefully cary on.

In honor of Hollis donations would be appreciated to All Breed Rescue and Training (ABRT) https://haveanicedog.org