Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Mary Mason Obituary
Born in Waterloo Iowa, on Nov. 20, 1926; died of emphysema at home in Palos Verdes on Nov. 7, 2010. Survived by: husband, John L.; brother, Harry H. Schulte Jr.; brother-in-law, David L. Douglas; children, Andy (Susan), Peter (Roberta), Mary Anne, and John E. (Mary V.); nieces, Margaret Correll (Bill) and Julie Satterlee (Rick); nephews, Rob Gira, Michael Gira (Siobhan), and Dan Gira (Victoria); five grandchildren, Shane, Claire, Lauren, Patrick, and Margaret; eight grand-nieces and grand-nephews; Shane's mother, Carole Duncan, and sister, Shannon Rakestraw (Brandon).
Mary's family moved to Southern California from Iowa in the 1930s. Mary attended Elliott Junior High School, Pasadena City College, and Scripps College, where she received a BA degree in History of Art in 1949. Early jobs were at JPL, UCLA, and Garrett Corp. She did graduate work in math at UCLA, and later continued her studies at USC, where she received an MS in Computer Science in 1976. She worked as a computer programmer at Xerox Corp. from 1979 until her retirement in 1992.
Mary was noted for her friendliness and good nature; for her devotion to music, reading, bridge, baseball, and crossword puzzles; and for skills as varied as sculpture and skiing. The family thanks Mary's devoted home caregivers, Joy and May, and also thanks the attentive Torrance Memorial Hospice staff. Per Mary's wishes, there will be no funeral.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Mason
Randall Ushiyama
November 18, 2010
I send my sincerest condolences. I am very sorry to hear of your loss.
Ann & Charles La Franchi
November 16, 2010
John - May you find peace at this time of loss. What we have are all the good times and they are with us always.
Ann & Chuck La Franchi
Paul & Mary Kearney
November 12, 2010
John and Mary's family - we share your grief and will remember Mary in our prayers. May she rest in peace.
Mary & Paul Kearney
Carl Heinz
November 11, 2010
John
We were lucky to have you through the many years at AlliedSignal -- we were very lucky. I'm sure your wife and faithful companion contributed much to your very successful long career.
November 11, 2010
My heart and prayers go out to you and your family, John. Mary was a lovely lady.
Doris Silsbee
November 11, 2010
I feel your loss with empathy and understanding.
Fred McCarty
John Elam
November 11, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
November 11, 2010
John, I always remembered her greatness for math & her kindness.
Russ Tobler, Long Beach, California
November 11, 2010
Our deepest sympathy.
Jack & Joy Teske
Barry Tyson
November 11, 2010
John, My deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our prayers are with you.
Ken Curtiss
November 11, 2010
Dr. Mason, I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. I saw you at the other Garrett funeral, last month, and was sorry that I didn't get to talk with you. Even though it was 20 years ago, at LA Plant, I still remember how lovingly you spoke of her. God Bless your family.
Jim Crawford
November 11, 2010
John, Mary was a fine lady. I am sure that all who knew her will miss her.
November 11, 2010
John, please accept my sympathy. Mary was a fine lady and all who knew her will miss her.
Jim Crawford, Barrington, Illinois
Robin & Val Mackay
November 10, 2010
Our deepest sympathy. Mary was a wonderful person.
Matt & Charlotte Pastell
November 10, 2010
With sincerest condolences,Our thoughts and prayers are with John and family.
Dale Weirick
November 10, 2010
John....May you remain strong at this time of great loss. God bless you and your family.
November 10, 2010
John, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless all of you.
Terry Sapp
November 10, 2010
John, I am so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. The loss of one's life partner is always difficult to endure, but time will heal. If you need any help in any way, please don't hesitate to call me. Hang tough. Dick Smisek
Neal Engdall
November 10, 2010
John...Our prayers are with you and your family.
Neal and Marilyn Engdall
Karl Walther
November 10, 2010
John, we are sorry for your loss and send our heartfelt condolences.
Karl and Lotte Walther
Maxine Wiggs
November 10, 2010
So sorry hearing of your loss
November 10, 2010
November 10, 2010
We were sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Margie and Chuck John, PV. ESTS., California
Duane Perry
November 10, 2010
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family. Ann and i are honored to have met Mary.
Duane and Ann Perry
Michele Mitchell
November 10, 2010
My thoughts and prayers go to you and your family....
Michele Mitchell
Erwin (Wyn) Oetken
November 10, 2010
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
RAY&ELEANOR AZAR
November 10, 2010
WE SEND OUR CONDOLENCES AND KNOW YOU WILL MISS A GREAT LADY.
Don McGrath
November 10, 2010
Lidia and I send our condolences. Sorry to hear of your loss.
Jack Bayer
November 10, 2010
Very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember meeting Mary at one of the Garrett management get-togethers and found her to be a wonderful lady.
Joe Manfredo
November 9, 2010
My sincere condolences to you and yours.
GENE/LESLIE SOUVA
November 9, 2010
THE THOUGHTS OF LESLIE AND I ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY .MARY WAS A GREAT LADY.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Mary Mason's name
Memorial Events
for Mary Mason
How to support Mary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Mary Mason's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
