Ila Catherine Mason

home on November 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Ila was the second born of three

daughters, Doris, Ila and Nona, born to Archie Sylvester and Verna May (Heilbrun) Dunlap on

December 11, 1926 in Pontiac, Michigan. Like many families of the Depression Era, the family

moved in search of work and health to San Diego in 1941. Soon after graduating from Hoover

High School, Ila met and married Verl Duane Mason of Charles City, Iowa. After serving his commitment to the United States Navy during WW2 the couple moved with their firstborn, Catherine Ann Mason (Lougheed), by train to Charles City in 1946. It was there that Ila had a life altering experience with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, and was baptized at the Covenant Mission Church in Charles City. In 1950 the young family returned to San Diego to “share Jesus with my parents”, and in 1952 their second daughter Judith Louise Mason (Hudson Campbell) was born. In 1960 a son, Verl Duane Mason, Jr., was born to them.

Over the next 35 years the 24 year old couple literally, hands on, built a real estate empire in south San Diego, Ila working frequently into the night with her husband to dig foundations and set framing by artificial light! In 1958 Ila tested and received her plumbing license! Ila had high regard for education and was a lifelong learner. In 1962 she studied, trained, tested and earned California's Court Reporter certification. Her ten year USN court experience qualified her for a position at Clark Air Force Base, Manilla, Philippines where she served from 1973-1975. At the age of 59 Ila attended studies at the University of Uppsula, Sweden. Ila earned her B.A. at San Diego State University in 1986, going on to earn her M.A. in Theology, Pastoral Care and Counseling at Bethel University in 1995 at the age of 69.

Ila pursued her calling to serve God and others, to return His blessing, over most of her lifetime. Ila had a radio ministry, volunteered at her churches, Bonita Valley Christian Center and others, as a counselor, Sunday School teacher, and soprano soloist in the choir.

In 1991 she and her grandson, Michael Lougheed Jr, made their first trip to Russia for International Bible Society (IBS) to distribute Bibles, and by 1995 Ila had made six trips to Moscow and parts of Russia. Upon witnessing the needs of orphans in Russia, she and several members of the IBS group became the founding members of Children’s HopeChest, a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to meeting the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of Russian orphans, with the goal of preparing them for life after the orphanage. Over the next 10 years, Ila visited countless orphanages and technical schools, serving thousands of Russian orphans with fundraising, food, clothing, medical/dental and spiritual needs, earning her the nickname “Babushka Ila”. Due to Ila’s financial contribution and tireless support, Children's HopeChest was able to build the first of its kind family home in Lakinsk. The 3,000 square foot home was built to provide a family environment for Russian teens transitioning out of orphanages and into the real world, giving them the support they need to thrive. Ila made many trips to Russia with many friends, all three of her children and three of her grandchildren. In the years following, Children’s HopeChest branched out, but those who stayed dedicated to Russia, started another non profit called Orphan’s Tree, which Ila supported for most of the rest of her life.

From 2000 to 2011 Ila served as volunteer Chaplain at Sharp Medical Center, Chula Vista, California, being awarded in 2001 “Chaplain of the Year” serving others during the “9-11” tragedy. Before the end of their 44 year marriage, Ila traveled the entire continent from Alaska to Mexico, South America, Europe, Britain, Scotland, Ireland and Scandinavian countries. While enjoying living in the West, Ila was an avid water skier, loved boating and motorhome travel especially with her family to Lake Powell and Lake Shasta. Her creative expression produced many stained glass pieces for others.

Ila was predeceased by her daughter, Judith Louise Mason Hudson Campbell, her parents and sisters Doris and Nona. Ila is survived by her children, Catherine Ann Mason Lougheed (Mike), Verl Duane Mason Jr (Tammy), 9 grandchildren to whom she was devoted, Michael Jr (TX), Ryan and Andrew(OR); Elizabeth, Nadya and John (CA), Mark (MI); Hannah, Jack (TN), great grandchildren, niece, nephews, and cousins. Ila was lovingly cared for in her last years by her daughters and especially by her granddaughter Elizabeth Hudson Smith (Nate). Ila will be interred next to Verl in Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary in Chula Vista, California on December 15, 2024. Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. with memorial service at 11:00, reception following. Donations in Ila's memory can be made to Orphan’s Tree, Hollenbeck Palms, International Bible Society, Bethel University or to a charity of one's choice.