Shirley Lee Mason

Shirley Lee Mason, 85, of Upland, passed away on the 12th of February, 2017. Born in St. Joseph, MO. on November 31, 1931, Shirley spent her early years on a rural farm with no running water or electricity. There her imagination was nurtured by flying all over the world in the family apple tree and where her lifelong fear of snakes began, as they dropped upon her while gathering water from the well. Since both she and her only brother, Dale, suffered from asthma, her parents decided to move the family to a warmer climate in California. There the petite redhead caught the eye of an electrical engineer, Ernie Venton Mason. They fell in love, and had a marriage that spanned six decades. In 1962 they moved to Claremont, where they resided for fifty years. Shirley dedicated herself to being a wife and mother to her four daughters. During this time she became active in the organization of Job's Daughters and acted as the Claremont Bethel Guardian #301 for many years. As her nest emptied, Shirley found a new way to mother others by becoming an aide at Danbury School for handicapped children, something she enjoyed immensely. Shirley had an amazing and sometimes dry sense of humor, when people questioned if she was born with her unique medical condition, where all her organs were flipped, she would tell them that it had occurred through a very long surgery. Throughout her life Shirley was known for her wonderful cooking, especially her fried chicken and meatloaf. Also for her prolific and beautiful knitting which she gifted to family members with socks and other treasures each Christmas. However, she was known best for her unconditional love as a wife, mother, friend, and Best Mimi Ever.

Shirley is preceded in death by her husband and her daughter, Denise Chaldu. She leaves behind her daughters, Debra Duarte (Phillip), Sharen Garcia(Garry), Karen Rothfus(Kevin), and her son-in-law Bob Chaldu. Her legacy continues in her grandchildren, Michelle Chaldu-Nagashima(Sam), Marc Chaldu(Monique), Cara Garcia(Matt), Lauren Wilson(Greg), Andrea Ortiz(Esteban), Gavin Duarte, Kellan Rothfus, Keaton Rothfus, and her great grandchildren Grey, Aubrey, Neve, and Luc.

Shortly before her death Shirley acknowledged the end was near and expressed her gratitude for the amazing life she led and the family/friends that she loved and was loved by, allowing those left behind to rejoice in gratitude also. Shirley, Mom, Mimi, as you would say "you do and did good work," and we love you more.

A celebration of life will be held at an open house from 1-3pm on Feb. 22, please call for info (951)660-8416.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to the charity that is most near and dear to your heart

Arrangements under the direction of Stone Funeral Home FD272, Upland, CA.