Inez Roche Mason

Inez R. Mason was born on February 2, 1919 in Elmhurst, Illinois to the late Frank and Ellen Roche and passed away on July 29, 2015 at the age of 96. She was predeceased by her brothers William, Frank, Harry, and Jack and her sisters Mary Catherine and Eileen. She is survived by her two daughters Kathleen and husband James Maniak of Daytona Beach, Florida and Eleanor Mason of Seattle, Washington as well as many nieces and nephews. Inez graduated for the University of Illinois with a degree in biochemistry. She started out her career with Hoffman-La Roche as an Analytical Chemist, later she worked as a Chemist for the U S Department of Agriculture. In 1963 she went to work for the University of Michigan, Mental Health Research Institute working with Dr. Norman Radin, as a Biochemist Research Associate. She retired in 1991 to travel to numerous cities around the world with trips to Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii, Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and New Zealand. Many of the trips were taken with the University of Michigan Alumni Association where she developed several lasting friendships. Inez was also able to dedicate significant time as a volunteer to several non-profit organizations, ie., St. Mary’s Chapel Ladies Guild on U of M campus, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ronald McDonald House of Ann Arbor, and Hospice of Ann Arbor where she was able to combine her sewing talents and good conversation while producing heart ornaments for the Christmas Tree of Remembrance for their annual fund raising effort. The family wishes to acknowledge and express a special gratitude to Eileen Canfield who provided friendship and caregiving to Inez as she became more restricted in her mobility over time. Inez’s sharp mind and witty comments made her a joy to be around and she will not be forgotten. The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 8, 2015 from 1:00 until time of Mass at 1:30 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Ann Arbor. Arrangements entrusted to the Muehlig Funeral Chapel, Ann Arbor.