Shirley Ruth (Mason) Blacher, born December 5, 1924, the second of five children to Esther and William Mason of Framingham, passed away quietly Saturday, November 6th, at Brooksby Village.
A graduate of Framingham State College and a life member of its Alumnae Association, she taught 4th grade in Framingham and Malden. She served many charities - Massachusetts Kidney Foundation, the Hebrew Home for the Aged, Hadassah, Temple Sisterhood, Red Cross, Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels.
She always had time for coffee…and more coffee. An avid athlete, she was a lifeguard in her youth and played tennis into her 70’s – often beating her male competition.
Shirley was predeceased 40 years ago by her first husband, Atty. Leo Blacher, formerly of Malden and Melrose; and 16 years ago by her second husband, Paul Spector. Leo and Shirley’s three children, Mason of Seattle, Dr. Jan Blacher-Baker (Bruce; and sons Alex and Spencer) of Los Angeles and Cape Cod, and Betsy (Bruce) Hutchings of West Ossipee NH, are grateful for their mother’s love, support, and stories of daring and mischief. She was also close to her devoted step-granddaughter, Lori Beth Spector of Washington DC. She was sister to Lois Vashaw of Lancaster NH and James Mason of Portsmouth RI and the late Judge Arthur Mason, formerly of Framingham and Howard Mason, formerly of Sharon.
Contributions in her memory will be gratefully received by Framingham State University Foundation, 100 State Street, Framingham, MA 01701-9101 or hospice provider Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.