Joanne Helen Mason

Feburary 24th, 1934 – August 8th, 2014

No words can describe the loss of someone so close who meant as much as Joanne. She was a woman who lived her life on her own terms, doing what she wanted, how she wanted it. She’d had ups and downs and too many adventures to note here. She read voraciously, loving books from the trashiest thrillers to the classics. She was a fan of horror movies and bad jokes. Rain or shine, summer heat or winter cold, she could be found outside in her robe or muumuu drinking generic cola, reading and smoking whatever was cheap. To those close to her she was just “Mom.”

Joanne Helen Mason was born on February 24th, 1934 in St. Louis Missouri to Sid and Nellie Flateau (nee Beishir.) Her early years were spent pestering her older brother Sidney and generally wandering around the woods around St. Louis. When she was a teenager, her beloved mother Nellie, died of a heart valve defect, caused by rheumatic fever she’d contracted as a child. From that point on Joanne promised herself she’d live her life to the fullest, since we can’t know how long we have to do so.

After attending Webster College as an English Major, she spent time travelling in Mexico, living and working as a translator in Mexico City and Acapulco, then a small fishing town unknown to all but a few jet-setting tourists.

In the early 50’s Joanne moved to Hollywood, CA and worked for the U.S. Public Health Service and for Music Publishers as a secretary before moving to Emeryville, CA where she met her future husband, Robert Eugene George, a truck driver for North American Van Lines. They married and worked together doing long-haul furniture moves cross-country. In 1969 they were joined by Eugene Michael George, their son, who rode along in the sleeper for the first few years of his life.

Widowed in 1972, Joanne went back to work as a medical transcriber working for hospitals and medical facilities around Los Angeles and Orange County, this career was one she’d have, with some detours, until she retired in 1996. Remarrying in 1977, Joanne’s family moved all over the country: Las Vegas, NV, Tulsa, OK, Gardena, CA, before settling down semi-permanently in Las Vegas. After separating from her second husband, Joanne lived in Okeechobee, FL with her brother before moving to Reno, NV and then to Burbank, CA to live with her son and his family.

In 2009, Joanne welcomed her first grandchild Mathilda Quinn George and became “Grandma Jojo.” Joanne doted on Mathilda and loved sneaking treats and TV time with her (as any grandma would.) Mathilda was joined by Fletcher Rhodes George in 2012 and grandma loved watching him ride his “blue scooter” and was amazed at how well he could throw and catch his football and orange ball. She loved them both very much.

Grandma Jojo died peacefully at home on the afternoon of August 8th. She’d spent the morning doing the things she loved, snuggling with her grandkids, reading, and watching TV. Her unique attitude and sense of humor will be missed greatly by those she left behind.

She is survived by her son Gene George, his wife Tish LeHew, grandchildren Mathilda and Fletcher, and two dogs, Harley, and Marilyn.

A private goodbye was held at Valley Funeral Home in Burbank, CA on August 10th. All the people whom she loved were in attendance. Her remains will be cremated and remain at home with her family. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the American Heart Association or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements under the direction of Valley Funeral Home, Burbank, CA.