Kents Store, Virginia
Mason Purcell
Mason Purcell of Kents Store, Virgina, died on Sunday, February 27, 2011, of cancer at her home.
She was born in Richmond, Virginia and graduated from Richmond Professional Institute with a BFA degree in hand weaving and textile design. In 1974, she and her husband, John Bolling Purcell founded Purcell Oriental Rug Company in Charlottesville. She was actively engaged in the design, production, importation and sale of the oriental rugs until forced to retire in 2005 due to illness.
In addition to her husband, Ms. Purcell is survived by two brothers, Jefferson Cary McConnaugley of Marietta, Georgia, and Joseph Westfield McConnaugley of Kennesaw, Georgia.
Arrangements are private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Albemarle County SPCA, P.O. Box 7047, Charlottesville, VA 22906 or Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.
It has been almost 10 years...I held Mason in such high regard and always always enjoyed my visits to her shop in C'ville. I have so many beautiful rugs that I purchased from her and John. RIP my friend
John Heiligenstein
February 08, 2021 | Indianapolis, IN | Friend
Dear John (and all of Mason's family),
Needless to say and like so many others, I was shocked to read of Mason's death. I was unaware that she had cancer...it has been such a long time since I last visited the shop. I have many fond memories of Mason, especially the 10 week (or so) evening class in oriental rugs I took when I was a resident at UVa Hospital, 1976-78. Mason was a genius...I will never forget the evening I brought a rug to class and that no one previously had...
John Heiligenstein
August 12, 2011 | Indianapolis, IN
Dear John,
I discovered this by accident and was so very sorry to read about Mason's passing. Though it has been a long time, I want you to know how much your kindnesses have meant to me lo these many years. I am very sorry for your loss and you are in my thoughts.
Cindy Elliott
June 22, 2011 | Hillsboro, VA
John, I just happened on this information by chance and regret very much that I was unaware Mason had left us. She was a real stalwart, and a unique person who will be sadly missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her. I much regret Debbie and I never managed to get up to see you from Atlanta. My very deepest condolences to you and my thoughts are with you.
Pat Hardcastle
May 30, 2011
John, I was very saddened to hear of Mason's passing. I always thought that she would kick the cancer in the face and keep going! I fondly remember our days at the Virginian when I was in C'ville years ago.
JoAnn Gunter
March 15, 2011 | Seattle, WA
I am sad that Mason is no longer with us. She was an amazing gardener and an incredible master with color in various media. She will be missed by all who knew her.
John, you and the family have my deepest sympathy.
Laura Sollod
March 04, 2011 | Arvonia, VA
I am so sorry to hear of Mason's passing. She was a good friend of mine back in my Richmond days. She was such a sharp & capable person who could do anything she set her mind to. My thoughts are with you, John, as well as the rest of the famly at this time.
Cheryl Steckel (Drake)
Cheryl Steckel
March 02, 2011 | Chillicothe, OH
DAMN!
John, you have my sympathy.
She was my friend, and I will miss her.
Everyone who knew her will miss her.
-- Roy B. Scherer
Roy Scherer
March 02, 2011 | Petersburg, VA
John,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Peter and I enjoyed you and Mason so much as part of the gang back in the day. I will always remember your kindness after Peter passed away. The two of them are no doubt meeting up and enjoying laughs somewhere out there. My thoughts are with you. Take care of yourself.
Ron Thompson
March 02, 2011 | Richmond, VA
