On Friday, Feb. 17, 2023, Shirley Jean Mason, loving wife and mother passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88.
Shirley was born in Port Townsend, Washington on Feb. 5, 1935. After moving to San Diego she attended Point Loma High School, where she met her high school sweetheart Ronald G. Mason. They married in 1952 and were together for 58 years before Ron’s passing in 2010. Shirley stayed home to raise three children, where hand-sewn clothes and home-cooked meals were a source of great pride. She then went to work and ran the kitchen at Mira Costa College for more than 23 years, and she retired in 1990.
Crocheting, sewing, knitting and scrapbooking were Shirley’s favorite pastimes. She was a passionate gardener and her succulent and rose gardens were legendary. Her loving and generous nature along with her quick wit and easy laughter afforded her many lifelong, wonderful friends. Her marriage to her beloved husband Ron was an inspiration to all that were lucky enough to witness their true love and devotion to one another.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Olivette and James Knight; husband Ronald G. Mason; and son-in-law Lee G. Smith. She is survived by her daughters, Deborah K. Ortega of Oceanside, Pamela J. Smith of Vista; son Michael G. Mason and wife Connie of Hood River, Oregon; grandchildren Bobby Moore, Heather Sullivan, Camille Patrick, Leigh Ann Beare and Karissa Keith; seven great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
Shirley will be loved and missed forever by family and friends.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shores Hospice, 2424 Vista Way, Oceanside, CA 92054.
