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Deborah Parsons-Mason Obituary

Deborah Parsons-Mason was a fiercely loving mother, always cooking for her children, dealing with their teachers, working the night shift so that they were never alone during the day.

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Published by Mercury News from Dec. 21 to Dec. 31, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Parsons-Mason

Sponsored by William C. Mason.

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Vonnie Kent

August 31, 2021

Debi was my friend, roommate and co worker. The year was 1980, she was 19 and I was 17. We worked at Mcdonalds together....she was a manager. We lived together in an apartment in Riverside along with our other roommate Brad. Debi was always so happy and such a hard worker. She made $110 every two weeks which was more than any of us made! We would gather around her paycheck and dream of the day when we would all make as much as her! We exchanged Christmas cards for years, and then they stopped coming. I thought she was just busy. I just found her obituary today, 13 years later, and am sad. I miss you Debi....

Nancy Mason

April 7, 2016

I miss you so much.

May 12, 2015

I remember Deborah most from middle school where we had some classes together. I remember her because she was such a nice girl with a great smile. May Deborah rest in peace. My condolences to her family.

December 2, 2009

To my loving daughter. It has been nearly a year. It seems impossible that time has elapse so fast. We all think of you every day. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not thinking of you and with the holidays approaching, it's even harder. We all miss you and love you and you are forever in our hearts. Love, Mom

November 26, 2009

The year has almost come to an end. It has gone by so fast. Seems like just yesterday that this all happened. I still think about Debi everyday. We all wish it could have been different, that it didn't happen. But I've been told there is a reason for everything. I just haven't figured it out yet. All I know is that Debi left way to soon. We all miss her so very much. Her family needs her. I hope that everyone can help them through yet another year. Love, Robyn

Jimmy Mason

August 2, 2009

Mommy i miss you i want to hear you say I LOVE YOU back to me. I lost a friend that night.i know the next time we meet will be decades from now but i really want to be with you

I PROMISE YOU THE NEXT TIME WE MEET WE WILL NOT LOOSE EACH OTHER I PROMISE


I LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER

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Robyn Swant

April 16, 2009

I'm sorry I did not leave my name on the poem. Not sure why I didn't. I hope Debi knows that we think about her everyday. This has made such an impact on our family. Again, we all love and miss her so very much. I'm glad my poem touched your heart. Love, Robyn

Kimberly Sabino

February 23, 2009

Who ever wrote the last entry on my sister guest book, I want to thank you for it. Debi and her family never used the word "Goodbye" when parting from anyone. They use the word "later." Their reasoning was goodbye means forever and later means "see you later." So I know that horrible night my sister did not say goodbye to her family and we did not say goodbye to her either. We all said "later" because we will all meet again in heaven. So to my dear loving older sister-LATER! You are dearly missed, loved and always in our thoughts, hearts and souls!

February 21, 2009

On the wings of a dove her memory flew,
Up over our heads if Debi just knew.
How much she'll be missed by her family and friends,
We ask ourselves "Why did her life have to end?"
It happened one night and in the blink of an eye,
God chose his next angel and said not to cry.
I need her in Heaven there is so much to do.
but I promise she'll be there to watch over you.
So when you are lonely she's there in your heart,
The Love and the memories never will part.
And each time you see a dove in the sky,
She is saying "See you later, this isn't goodbye."

Larry & Jacque Bryan

January 20, 2009

We, also, will always miss Debbie. We sent our sentiments in individual notes to the family. As her aunt, I use to babysit Debbie and her sisters all the time. We had a lot of fun and I will always remember her as a happy little girl, even though she had a family of her own. Her reflections are in her children and will live on there.

Nancy Bain

January 18, 2009

I'll never forget that alwful phone call from Kim on that tragic Friday evening. Debi will be truly missed but never forgotten. She will live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. I enjoyed when Debi and the kids would come to my house to visit Grandma Courtney and I'll miss those visits.

Bill, as I've told you and all the kids I'm only a phone call away if there is anything I can do to help - please give me a call. You're in my prayers and thoughts daily.

Lovingly, Aunt Nancy

Aunt Kay Uncle Joe Anstett

January 18, 2009

To My Niece's Family:

We are deeply sadden to of heard of Debi's tragic death. I always enjoyed visiting with her family when we came to San Jose. Wish we could of been there to help support the family thru this trying time. Weather didn't allow us to travel at the time of her death. I know that Debie is watching over all of you and how proud she is of all of her family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.

Sally Hazzard

January 18, 2009

"There's a new star in the sky tonight. We all miss you terribly, but are comforted in knowing that all we need to do is look up and wonderful memories come floating down. Missing you and loving you. Aunt Sally and Uncle Sam."

Diane Courtney

January 18, 2009

Today is the day of your birth and how special that day was 48 years ago. You were our first born and the first grandchild on either side of the family. You were so tiny, the third smallest baby in the hospital at 5 pounds 15 ounces. There was a set of twins smaller than you. When we took you home from the hospital we stopped at your dad's work and your grandmothers work and showed you off. You were lost in the fancy quilt that you were wrapped in. It was hard to see you among all your blankets. Today is a day of remembrance of your birth. How we all love and miss you. God bless and keep you safe. Love, Mom

Kimberly Sabino

January 17, 2009

I am Debi's littlest sister. I have wonderful memories of my big sister Debi. We had wonderful times together and terrible times together. She was like my second mom growing up. Our my was a single parent raising three girls and it was Debi's repsonsibility to get dinner started and make sure all of our chores were done. She always knew how to have fun. We shared wounderful moments together as well. I was her labor coach and was able to see my two older nieces come into this wonderful beautiful world. She was always proud of all of you. She was one of the greatest big sisters. I remember going through my divorce and she always had time to listen even though she had things going on in her life. I love you Debi with my whole heart and more.

I want to thank everyone who has donated to the family. There are many people to thank. First I would like to thank the San Jose Police Dept, Regional Medical Center, Amy(the nurse that night), Officer Krauss, O'Connor Hospital, Odyssey Hospice, Lucky's-thank you for your wonderful donations, The Mason family, Parsons Family and Courtney Family. You never realize what a wounderful family you have until a there is a tragedy. I also would like to thank the Hernandez family for their wonderful support, the Sabino family for their help, Marivic-can't say thank you enough. Last but not least the wounderful public for your out pouring help, condolence, support and guidiance.

Thank you again
Debi- I know you are a beautiful person and I love you and you will be missed. I think of you ever day.

Later,
Love your little sister
Kim

Mary Courtney

January 15, 2009

To the Mason Family,
I can't tell you how bad I feel about your loss. Debi was my first grandchild and I will miss her the rest of my life. I know she was a great mom and loved her kids very much also her husband Bill.Try to remember all the happy times you had with her. I am sure she would like for you to go on as best you can. I love you all.
Grandma Courtney

Robyn Swant

January 15, 2009

Bill and family,
I want you to know that our family is here for you. Whatever you need or if you just need to talk we are all here. I was very heartbroken when I got the call about Debbie. I still can't believe it. I know that there isn't any words that will make the hurt go away. She was a very dedicated Mother and loving wife. You should be proud of the kids you have raised. Debbie was my oldest niece. I have so many memories of her that i will always remember. I am also the Mother of two girls and two boys. Nothing can replace the love of your Mom. My prayers are with you and I know that Debbie is watching over all of us.

Diane Courtney

January 12, 2009

To My Loving Daughter,
We will miss you terribly and know that you are in the hands of GOD and with your grandfather and Roland. The guardian angels will look after you and kep you safe in their care. We will keep an eye on your family and make sure that they are okay. Love you and will never forget your shining personality. Love, Mom

Theresa Flores

January 5, 2009

Dear Mason Family,
I just heard today of your family's loss. I will keep your family in my prayers. I hope that as you grieve, you will find comfort in the words, prayers and condolences that are being sent to you. I never met Deborah but I worked with Bill at Santa Teresa and Theresa was a student in my class. Both Bill and Theresa were and are great individuals and I am sure that their lives were greatly influenced by Deborah. How lucky your family was to have such a great woman in your lives. I hope you can find comfort in your memories of her.

January 5, 2009

Tommy and Jimmy-
I was really saddened to hear about your mom. We here at Frost are here for you both.
Anne Sanfilippo

DIANE COURTNEY

January 1, 2009

To my loving daughter.
We will miss you terribly and know that you are in the hands of God and your grandfather. The guardian angels will look after you and keep you safe in their care. We will keep an eye on your family and make sure that they are okay. Love you and will never forget your shining personality. Love, Mom

michelle lopez

December 30, 2008

My deepest sympathies to the family. It is such a tragic story. I hope that you can find some comfort in the memories you have of her. I am a friend of Debi's sister, Kim. My thoughts and prayers are with you!

Kathy Gilbert

December 30, 2008

Je Vouis aime beaucoup, Yo te amo, Aloha nui loa, I love you. These are the inscriptions on the ID bracelet Debi gave to me in 1979. We loved each other until the end of her life. My Love to all her family through this very difficult time in there lives. Debi is with God now & that gives me some peace. Your best friend forever, Love always, Kathy Reeser-Gilbert

Andrew Serrano

December 29, 2008

Hi Tommy, Just wanted to say that I am sorry to hear about your mom, She was a really cool lady. I really enjoyed hearing your mom and my mom talking to each other after school. I would like to always remember her as that nice, sweet, funny, caring lady. Your Friend, Andrew.

April C. Serrano

December 28, 2008

I am so sorry for your lose. Debbie was very kind and caring person. She will be missed dearly.

April Hampton

December 27, 2008

I'm still in shock after reading of the tragic accident and of Debi's passing. She was so proud of her children. I just saw her several weeks ago at Costco---I worked at Randol Elem---and she was telling me that Nancy was married. Nancy and Theresa have always held a special place in my heart--seeing them grow up at school-no matter where I saw you -- I always got a hug--and from the boys too. My heart goes out to all the family and friends that were touch by Debi-I know mine was.
Sincerely
April and family

bonnie & priscilla pompa

December 26, 2008

to the mason family, im so sorry to hear about debi.are kids have gone to frost,herman,& now santa teresa together.i last saw her a couple of weeks ago at the gas station with her cast on.im going to miss her smiling face as she rang me up for my grocerys.we would hold up the line just talking & talking,mostly about our kids.she was very family orientated just like me.i am going to miss seeing her everywhere i go.with our deepest sympathy & prayers.

Gayle Snow

December 25, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. It sounds like you had a wonderful mom/wife/sister/daughter/grand daughter for many years. I worked with Deborah's mom Diane for many years and know how this great loss will leave a big void in her life. Diane, my thoughts are with you.

Anna Cota

December 24, 2008

To the Parsons children. I worked with your Mother at Luckys back in the 90"s and I remember how important you were to your Mother. I was so happy for her when she was promoted from the deli to night-crew so she could have a schedule that would allow her to be home with you guys as much as possible. I did the same thing for my daughters so I know how important you were to your mother. May God comfort you in this time. Scripture says that once you leave this flesh body you go instantly to the Lord. So take comfort in knowing she is in the arms of our Father.

Angel Cater

December 24, 2008

To the Family,
My condolences for your lose. I should know since Debi was like a mother to me back when time was rough for me. I wasn't certain what had happened until I found the blog. To Nancy, thank you for letting me know.:'(

a mama

December 24, 2008

Dear Jimmy,
I did not know your mom, but the story in the paper…was just a glimpse of how big her love was for you, for her kids.
As a mama…we try to protect & guide our children. We may argue but we love our kids no matter what…so deep down inside. I hope you can erase that image of her & picture all of the great times you had together. She would not want you to stop living, she would not want this tragedy to be a downward spiral for you. As a mother, I would want my kids to remember my life, not my death. As your mom watches you from above now, remember she brought you into this world & gave you life…so now make her proud & thrive Jimmy….really live your life to its fullest. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
God Bless you all, today & forever…

Theresa Mason

December 24, 2008

My name is Theresa Mason, I am the second child of William and Debi Mason. I know this guest book is for my mother and I know that she knows I miss her greatly. I've always been a Mama's Girl, and she taught me to always look at the bright side of things. I know its hard to see a bright side of something like this, but it makes me smile just thinking about all the good things shes done for me, along with all the lives shes touched. She's the person I hope one day to be, I make it my goal, as was hers to make at least 1 person smile each and every day.
In addition to this entry, I personally want to thank each and every person who read the newspapers, written in this online book for their love, support and condolences and to all those out there who have made donations to my family and I. You're all amazing and wonder people, and no matter how much I thank you its just not enough to really show you how very thankful we are.

To my Mother aka Mom aka Mommy aka Madame =D I don't know if there's internet in Heaven but I want you to know that I Love You, I think about you each and everyday, it still feels like a dream gone bad. I want to thank you for being my hero (in which you still are) and I miss you more than anything.

Love Always and Forever,
Theresa Mason

Tara Palpallatoc

December 23, 2008

To my cousin's family~
I am Debi's cousin. I am the youngest daughter of her Aunt Susie. I cannot begin to imagine what your family is going through. I can see that there was a lot of love in your family. My family is very sorry for your loss.

Katie

December 23, 2008

You are in my thoughts daily.

C

December 23, 2008

To the Mason Family, I am so sorry to hear what has happend. I only know her from Lucky's, i live right by there and her store was the store i shop at. I will always remember her smile everytime i seen her. She seemed like a good person. To Jimmy remember any paerent out there will always do anything to save their children first. Don't blame yourself, be strong your mama will always be watching over her babies, i am a mother of four as well, i would dod anything for my kids and anything to keep them safe.

M Peffley

December 23, 2008

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you. Even though I didn't have the privledge of knowing Mrs. Mason my heart goes out to the family. From the neighborhood I personally extend my sympathies to you and your family.

Eve & Paris Saizan

December 23, 2008

Dear Mason Family,

Our condolences on the tragic loss of your dearly loved Mom, wife, best friend, Debi. We are San Jose natives and know exactly where this area at 13th/Taylor is -- all your life you are told to "Listen to your Mother" and things like that -- Mom really does know best. We can tell your Mom was a good person, she loved you all deeply and she cared. We never met Debi but from what we have read here and in the paper about her, we know she was/is dearly loved.

Jimmy, our heart goes out to you as you try to make sense of all this. Try not to blame yourself; you did nothing wrong, you were just walking with your Mom, enjoying her company. Thank you for sharing that wonderful picture. We will pray for your family that you will find strength and comfort at this most difficult time.

Peace,

William Thomas Mason

December 23, 2008

I have always loved my mom and when we fought like in an arguing way that was are way of saying we love you and everything like that. I miss her very much and its hard to wake up every morning and not see the smile on her face. I love you mom no matter how mad we got at each other.

This was on fathers day. I will never forget

Jimmy Mason

December 22, 2008

This is the boy that was with her that tragic night. I wish that i would of turned around 10 seconds before it happened and shoved her out of the way. It is hard for me to go on with out her because you live with your mother telling you the intersection everyone runs the light and is dangerous and have your mother be the one that gets killed. The best memory of her is when i needed to talk to some one she was the only one with open ears and had the answer. I don't know what i am going to do now.

Robert Camp

December 22, 2008

Dear Bill and Family, I just got off the phone with Jonathan and he told me the news about Debi. I am so sorry for her passing and your loss. I know there are no words that really comfort the soul at a time like this. You are all in my thoughts. Our whole family is praying for you. Robert, Cheryl, Robert Jr., Ryan and Richard Camp

Diana

December 22, 2008

My heart goes out to your family during this time. I worked with Debbie and she would always talk about her kids and how much she loved them. Her husband and kids were everything to her. I just cant forget how she came to the store that save day to wish and hug everyone a Merry Christmas, little did we know that would be the last time we saw her. Your Mom was such a good person and with a real big heart. She will be missed. My heart goes out to your family.

Nancy Mason-Cluever

December 22, 2008

On behalf of the Mason family I thank you all for the comforting words and prayers. I am the eldest of the four children. Thank you. Just having such nice words does help. We need all the support we can get - weither we know you or not. It helps. Thank you.

Christine

December 22, 2008

My deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Mason family and friends. Jimmy (and your siblings) - as children, our parents are our heroes. Little do you know, that as parents our children become ours. Continue to be the hero that you all were to her and keep her loving memory alive. God bless you, William and may the Lord's angels keep their wings of comfort around you and your family at this difficult time.

December 22, 2008

From the neiborhood, although we did not know you. Our thoughts and Prayors are with you. May god bless you all during this traggic time. I'm a mother of 4 and know you will all carry that Special Gardian Angel forever watching over you, your dearest mother & Loving Wife

BARBARA MCELROY

December 22, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. I was born and raised in San Jose, and I know exactly what corner this terrible tragic happened. Again my thought and prayers are with you and your family. May god give you strength.

Ann

December 22, 2008

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal. May you find peace in God's love and mercy.

jt

December 22, 2008

I am so sorry for your loss. I pray the Lord helps you and your children through such a difficult time.

Neil and Julie Beckett

December 22, 2008

We are extremely sorry for your loss.

JoAnn Lachance

December 22, 2008

Deepest sympathies to your family. I don't know any of you. I learned about this through a MySpace friend (Staci).
This tragedy saddens my heart to tears. I am so sorry for your loss!

To Debbies spouse......any husband who says, "My Wife is my Life" is a man who loves his wife unconditionally. I know your wife knows that, as this is always what my husband says about me. As a matter of fact it's his MySpace quote. God bless your family during this very difficult time.

Ed Ruppert

December 22, 2008

I am so very sorry for your loss. Always a hard thing. Made much worse during these holidays. May your God give you the power to move forward.

KATHY

December 22, 2008

JImmy our parents have a way of always protecting us and as she always did she protected you again.She loved and will always love you very very much.Bless you and your family

gloria battaglia

December 22, 2008

love you Debi will miss you very much Paul and Gloria Battaglia

M Gong

December 22, 2008

what a terrible loss. may God provide you comfort in your time of grief. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Deana Rivera

December 22, 2008

My prayers go out to all of you. I met her sister On Friday night at a party here at Odyssey. I am so sorry.

Meagan Perry

December 22, 2008

I am so terribly sorry for the loss of your Wife, Mother, and friend. I pray that God guide you with strength and clarity in the coming days. Your family will be in my thoughts.

Amanda G

December 22, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this tragic time.

Erika Salinas

December 22, 2008

My prayers and deepest condolences out to the Mason family, as I read the article my heart was deeply hurt, I pray that there will be peace in comfort soon for the family.

Diana Foss

December 22, 2008

I am so very sorry.

dominic gagnon

December 22, 2008

There are no words that can express what you must be feeling. My prayers are with all of you at the loss of your dear Mother and wife. May you find comfort and courage in eachother now, and in memories of a wonderful woman. Peace be with all of you, and Deborah.

Jenny

December 22, 2008

I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts & prayers.

Susan McCutcheon-Sell

December 22, 2008

I'am so sorry for your loss. Debi has been my friend for 25 yrs. & I will miss her greatly. I was fortunate enough to "run" into your mom a couple of weeks ago & got to hug her good bye....if I had known it was going to be the last time I got to see my friend I would have never let go. The tears keep flowing & my heart is breaking The world lost a great person.

Elaine McCutcheon

December 22, 2008

I have known Debi for over 25 yrs. from Job's Daughter's...My thoughts are with you & your family

Susan Lango

December 22, 2008

Dear Mason Family~
My heartfelt sympathies to you. I worked with Debi for several years at the then Albertson's store on Monterey Road in San Jose. We were part of the price change team at that time. I remember her always proud of her family and wanting nothing but the best for them. I was shocked to her of her passing. We had not spoken for over a year but she always kept me in her email chain and I would occasionally get emails from her. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sincerely ~ Susan Lango

lydia elias

December 22, 2008

im sorry for the loss of your mom what a time to lose someone you love on the holidays at least she will be where there are no drunk drivers

Arthur Gray

December 22, 2008

My condolences for your family.

MaryAnn Koshiyama

December 22, 2008

Dear Mason family,
My heart is breaking along with you this holiday. I am so sorry for your great loss. Just by reading about your tragedy, I can see what a great person Deborah was in her life. It is apparent that her love runs deep throughout all of you. What is amazing is that her love has touched me too, and for as long as I am alive I will keep her and your family in my heart and prayers. We each have a light that has the power to shine greatly. Deborah's light will shine on and it will shine so bright. I truly believe that we will all see each other again and that God has a plan for us. Have faith in yourselves and the universe and know that God and the angels and Deborah are with us always. God bless you all.

Mary Nassau

December 22, 2008

Dear Jimmy, I know this is not much comfort, but please remember that your mom had you in her sight, safe, as she crossed the street - you kids MADE her life, and she obviously adored you all, and adored caring for you. I am so terribly sorry for what you're going through.

Mike Ramirez

December 22, 2008

The mason family is a long time friend of mine.
I am so so sorry for your loss. my heart crys for you all. please take things day by day. i love you all and i will be there for you if you need me.
Remember that Debi's spirit will always be close by.She was such a wonderful mother and wife for you Bill.i am so sorry i cant even believe this happened.please forgive me if this sounds corny or whatever but, i dont know what else to say.
I WISH GOD would not allow these horrible things to happen .
my thoughts and prayers are with you Bill .i wish i could do something to take away the pain you are going through.
i am there for you . i love you all.

James P FILICE

December 22, 2008

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Kathie

December 22, 2008

To the Mason Family:
I'm so very sorry for your horrible loss and I know that no words will offer any comfort. However, please know that there are people out here who are feeling your pain and reaching out to you. I hope that the loving memories of your wife/mother will warm your hearts in years to come and bring you comfort when times are tough. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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