Peggy E. Mason

Peggy Eileen (DeFrance) Mason, 67, passed away on May 16, 2025, in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she called home for over 30 years, after a 3 year battle with cancer. Peggy was born on November 19, 1957, in Gary, Indiana to Victoria Tzitz and Kenneth DeFrance, the youngest of three sisters.
As a child growing up Peggy was surrounded by a family, aunts, uncles, cousins and life long friends. Shortly after graduating High School Peggy joined the U.S. Navy where she served as a Communications Intelligence Specialist. She was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, Haverfordwest, Wales, Virginia Beach, and Norfolk, Virginia. While in Hawaii she met and married her 1st husband John Tobias Sr. They had three children together, John Jr, Michelle and Paul. While stationed in Wales, she met her soulmate, and love of her life Michael Mason. They later returned to Virginia Beach and eventually settled in Williamsburg, where they married and raised their family (John, Paul, Michelle, Andrew, Gemma and her beloved dog Pip).
After her military service, Peggy worked in various fields, starting with waitressing and catering where she applied what she learned there throughout her life. She worked as a cafeteria worker at James River Elementary, where she would never let a child go hungry. A production worker at John Deere, where her loving and generous spirit created life long friendships. Peggy obtained her degree in Liberal Arts before working at the Virginia Racing Commission where she admired all the majestic horses.
Peggy was passionate about many things such as antiques, pottery, and dolls but none compared to her love of nature. Peggy loved camping and being one with nature. Mike loved Peggy and would follow her anywhere. They would often be seen biking together, or going camping so she could be with nature. Peggy found a 1961 Layton camper "Little Bitty" that she loved, which Mike made sure she got. Little Bitty and Peggy had many adventures camping for nearly 30 years. Even as her children grew up and she battled her cancer, she continued to take her camper out and enjoy. She was an avid member of Sisters on the Fly, forming lasting friendships through camping adventures.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Katie (DeFrance) Baum, and stepson Andrew Mason. Peggy is survived by her husband Michael Mason, sister Linda (DeFrance) Jordan, sons John Tobias Jr. and Paul Tobias, daughters Michelle (Tobias) Kujan and Gemma Mason, six grandkids and many loved ones who love and miss her dearly. Peggy will always be known for her generosity and kindness.
"We turn not older with years but newer every day" ~Emily Dickinson~
A celebration of Life will be held on June 2nd 2025, 4pm at CrossWalk Church, 5100 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, VA 23185
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to any of the organizations below that either meant a lot to Peggy or to causes that mattered to her.
Bananas Foster (https://bananasfoster.org/make-a-difference/), a foster organization and program that Peggy strongly supported in life.
The National Park Service and State Park Service (https://www.nationalparks.org/ and https://www.virginiaparks.org/donate). Peggy camped in state and national parks more than any other.
Girl Scouts of America (https://www.girlscouts.org/en/support-us/donate.html). Peggy believed in empowering girls and women and the girl scouts are one of the places where it starts. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Peggy, please visit our floral store.