Barbara Lou Mason

Barbara Lou Mason, 88, died suddenly and unexpectedly on April 25, 2015 in Austin, Texas. Barbara is a recent cancer survivor and was very healthy until recently when she suffered a cardiac arrest. She was proud of her good health and ability to heal.

Barbara was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 29, 1926, the daughter of Henry William Stertz and Janette Allen Hall. She married Gerald William Mason on September 11, 1947 in Seattle, Washington. They had four children: Victoria, Rebecca, Barbara, and Lawrence. Barbara and Jerry viewed life as an adventure and the family lived in many places including South America and various cities in the United States.

As a clergy wife, Barbara served as leader in the church and ministered to many parishioners and friends in the various Episcopal churches and institutions where Jerry served as priest and vicar. Barbara pursued careers in education and social work. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at age 50 from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas.

Barbara was a strong woman with a great love of family and family history. She faced every challenge with determination, compassion and grace. She was an exceptional seamstress and needle worker. Barbara charmed every one she met with her genuineness and sense of humor.

Barbara is survived by her four children; Victoria Mason and Rebecca Jordan of Austin, Texas; Barbara Mason of Juneau, Alaska; and Lawrence Mason of Salt Lake City Utah. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brother, Charles Stertz, and her husband, The Reverend Gerald William Mason.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, May 4, 2015 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, located at 8724 Travis Hills Road, Austin, Texas 78735 with Reverend Bo Townsend officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society-Relay for Life at www.relayforlife.org or to the Jeri Trudell Scholarship Fund Ministries at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 400 E First St Aberdeen, WA 98520 http://standrewsgh.com.