Sr. Helen Marie Mason

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De La Salle High School Saint Louis University

Helen Mason Obituary

Sr. Helen Marie

Mason, MSC

OPELOUSAS, LA - A Mass of the Resurrection will be held for Sr. Helen Marie Mason, MSC at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, in Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home Chapel in Opelousas. Burial will follow in St. Landry Cemetery, Opelousas, LA.

Sr. Helen Marie Mason, MSC (AKA Stella Josephine) was born March 2, 1919, in Shreveport, Louisiana. She died at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home on Saturday, March 19, 2011, at 9:30 AM, at the age of 92.

Devoted to her family, she was preceded in death by her father, Elijah Andrew Mason (Doyline, LA); and her mother, Annie Laurie Monk Mason (Homer, LA); her sisters, Annie Marie Mason Howard; and Peggy Ruth Elise Mason Crenshaw; and a brother, Patrick Norman Mason.

She is survived by her sister, Martha Lee Mason; and a brother, Wilbert Winstorn Mason of Shreveport; and by nieces and nephews in Louisiana and Texas.

She entered the Daughters of the Cross in June 1940, pronounced her first vows in February 1943, and her perpetual vows August 13, 1946. She received her BS degree from Saint Vincent's College in Shreveport; a Masters in Education in 1950 from St. Louis University and a Masters in Home Economics Education from St. Louis University in 1960. During her years of active ministry she shared her knowledge, innate intelligence, and expertise in English and Literature, religion, Latin, and Home Economics at schools in Shreveport, Marksville, and Monroe, Louisiana and as the Director of the Home Economics Program at St. Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri. She was also the principal and president of St. Vincent Academy in Shreveport, Louisiana. After transferring to the Marianites of Holy Cross in June 1997, she ministered in the Development Office at Our Lady of Holy Cross College and at De La Salle High School in New Orleans and was involved in various other roles in community service. In each of her ministries, she was devoted to the liturgical life of the Church and was involved in all the activities of the school and community. She moved to Opelousas in 2005 and continued her sewing and needle work projects while bringing her gentle and faith-filled presence to each person she encountered. On the feast of St. Joseph and surrounded by her Marianite Sisters, she peacefully entered into eternal life.

A Wake service will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2011, from 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM followed by the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Prompt Succor Nursing Home Chapel in Opelousas.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Sr. Helen Marie, MSC to the Marianites of Holy Cross, 1011 Gallier Street, New Orleans, LA., 70117.

Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas (337) 948-6523.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Shreveport Times on Mar. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Helen Mason

9 Entries

March 25, 2011

Sister Helen Marie had a strong spirit of service to her Community and to the students she taught. She was a good example of serving Christ her whole life. She was a very kind person.
Martha Semon Lang SVA'61

Joan Goodwillie Campbell

March 23, 2011

Thank you, Sr. Helen Marie, for your years of devotion in promoting excellence in education. Joan Goodwillie Campbell, SVA - '65 (Erie, Colorado)

Judy Robson West

March 23, 2011

Sister Helen Marie was my principal at St. Theresa's and St. Vincent's in Shreveport. I so remember as an 8th grader her calling me into her office and telling me that she was following ME to St. Vincent's. I was worried because she had "my number"! She had a sense of humor that was probably wasted on me at the time! She was a strong, caring and faithful follower of Christ. A large soul has been called home at last. Thanks for the memories, Sister Helen Marie. Judy Robson Stark West (SVA of 1968)

Ena Gayer

March 22, 2011

WOW! What a wonderful long life! May your memories comfort you now. Mine are from the Class of '65.

Karen Davis

March 22, 2011

My deepest sympathy to your family. You were a wonderful teacher and just your name brings a smile to my face. Karen Payne Davis (SVA '83)

Ky Ellen Mason

March 22, 2011

Sr. Helen Marie, among those devoted and gentle guides we knew as teachers at our beloved St. Vincent's Academy, you were most sensitive and kind to all - even if you did religiously toss me out of religion class on my ear and send me downstairs to chapel!

I learned much from you. I went on to study at Loyola Institute of Ministry so that I could gain more knowledge for myself and in leadership of others. I know I would just not be half the person I am if not for you, the Daughters of the Cross, and all those in service to guide the rest of us in faith.

Thank you. Godspeed to you to share in the greatest love there is forever more.

Kathy Gaydos Daugherty

March 22, 2011

With deepest sympathy for your family. You were a wonderful teacher, and this brings back many memories.

March 21, 2011

My deepest sympathy to family members and the sisters who are grieving her loss.

Lou Anne Causey Augspurger, SVA '74

Anne Carmody Pugh

March 21, 2011

Ah, Sweet Sister Helen Marie. I will always remember you. As a foolish freshman at SVA I was asked to wash some radishes in my Home Ec class. As you came over to check on my progess you were appalled that I was washing them in scalding hot water. You rescued the radishes by scooping them quickly out of the hot water and tossing them onto the counter. That did teach me something, even a vegetable deserves to be treated properly :). As just "one of those Carmody girl's" thank you for your faith and patience. You have surely earned your reward.

Anne Carmody Pugh SVA '84

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