Sally Mason

1930 - 2018

February 14, 1930 - February 19, 2018

Sally was born February 14, 1930 to Joseph and Rose Audino of Rochester, New York. She was the oldest sister to Marie and Geraldine (Jeri), and as such was both a role model and a nurturer. She also developed her passion as an artist in her younger years.
In her early 20's she met George Mason, from California. It was a blind date, and she wasn't sure where it would lead, but his persistence made his intentions very clear. They dated for the next several months and were married on May 2, 1953.
After a couple of years living in New York, they moved to Fresno, CA where they began to set their California roots. Sally helped George start the first Armenian-American newspaper, The California Courier, in 1958. She became both illustrator, and also wrote the recipe section of the paper. She eventually had a cookbook published comprised of the recipe submissions to the newspaper.
In 1975, they moved to their final home with their 6 daughters, tucked away in the canyons of Los Angeles. Sally always made sure her home was welcoming and a place the whole family could be proud of, full of warmth and security. She was the ultimate "mom". Having so many kids gave way to her other creative skills, quilting, crocheting, and the mastery of cooking. This became her new outlet, taking the place of the art for which she once had time. She made gourmet meals on a whim and made it look effortless. Sally took seriously that the kitchen was the heart of the home. With Sally in charge you always knew you'd be welcomed with a smile, and leave with a full belly.
As her children grew older, she reengaged with the art world, taking numerous workshops, and learning new techniques to create more beautiful works of art. She now took on the new role as Nonni (grandmother). One thing those kids knew was Nonni always had a treat in the pantry and a smile on her face, especially if she was holding a paint brush in her hands.
Sally stayed married to George until his death in 2005. After 52 years of partnership, she now became the head of the family. Continuing in the same vein from prior years, Sally kept her home open to visitors and family, and kept on creating until sadly she lost her sight due to macular degeneration.
In December of 2015, Sally was diagnosed with Peritoneal cancer, and gave a brave front for the next two years battling her disease. She died on February 19, 2018 at the age of 88. She will truly be missed.
Sally is predeceased by her husband, George, and her granddaughter, Rita Marie, and sister, Marie. She is succeeded by her daughters, Cassy (Andy), Melanie (Rush), Teresa (Stephen), Georgeann, Dina (David, Ralph), and Mary (Kevin). She also leaves behind her grandchildren, Sara, Mason, Paul, Mikey, Zachary, Rose, Melody, Christopher, and Emily, and her sister Jeri and brother in-law Carl, as well as countless nieces and nephews and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity or church of your choice.