Vylna Mathis
Oct 25, 1927 -
Dec 3, 2023
Vylna Mathis peacefully took her last breath on Dec. 5, 2023, at her home in Los Angeles, Calif., surrounded by her family. The apartment where she lived during her last years was adorned with all of the vibrance and eccentricity Vylna embodied until her final moments. Upon entry, one would be hard pressed to not notice the many animal prints, gold accents, religious art and even a taxidermy gazelle mounted above the television. Each piece strung together effortlessly, chronicling the life of a woman who was also impossible not to notice.
Born in Chile on Oct. 25, 1927, Vylna was raised to be an elegant young woman navigating the world during an era when the expectations of women were evolving from the constraints of the previous century. The result was a tenacity that defined much of her life and what she accomplished in it. While working as a secretary for the Inter American Geodetic survey, Vylna met an American engineer named Lawrence Mathis who whisked her away to America. Her first impressions of America were documented in a 1952 article written about her by the Amarillo Globe Times, where she compliments the ability of American women to juggle being wives, mothers and friends. She also remarks on her fondness for large Stetson hats which, later on in her life, would evolve into a trademark love of hats in general.
After their marriage in 1954 and a series of moves, Vylna, Larry and their growing family finally settled in Colorado. There she would come to embody the busy American woman she admired previously as she became a mother to five children, the substitute Spanish teacher at the local elementary school and resident ear piercer for the teenage friends of her daughters. When the family had to move again, this time to Anchorage, Alaska, Vylna began working for Northern Commercial, which became Nordstroms, and quickly became a top saleswoman in their designer salon. Her exposure to the business of fashion as well as her skill as a saleswoman eventually led to her opening up her own boutique called "Vylna's." As her store blossomed, so did Vylna's own entrepreneurial spirit. She felt immense pride in being a successful business owner who dressed people from all walks of life. After 35 years in business, the Mayor of Anchorage awarded her a letter of recognition for her years of serving the community.
Throughout all her achievements, Vylna held the title of matriarch dearest to her. She couldn't help but brag about what her children and grandchildren were doing to anyone who would listen, including the followers of her Instagram account who got to follow along even after she moved from Anchorage to Los Angeles to be closer to her family. Vylna also made sure to return to Chile often to spend time with her sister, Sonia Correa, and her Chilean nieces and nephews. She never lost touch with her roots and always made an effort to remain a pillar in the lives of each of them.
Vylna's legacy will be felt in those who remember her unwavering generosity, fierce love for her family and the way she laughed after making a cheeky joke. Vylna and Larry Mathis will be entombed in Anchorage to honor the 40 years they spent in a place they both cherished deeply. She is survived by her five children, 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. On Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, Julie Piatt and Vicky Curtis will be hosting an afternoon lunch, celebrating both their parents' lives. Please RSVP to vicky@curtis-company.com or call 310-720-6144 to get details of the location and time.
