Shirley Don Mason

Devoted mother. Adoring daughter. Faithful sister. Stellar co-worker. Unstoppable adventurer. Lover of nature. Confidante with a vast circle of friends who loved her dearly.

Shirley Mason was born in Muskegon, Michigan, to Florence Antoinette Mason (Schaner) and William Donald Mason on Feb 17, 1950.  She was the fifth of seven children. She is survived by sons Joris and Michael Ryerson, siblings William, Annette Ramirez, Nicholas, Eugene, and Patrick, 13 nieces and nephews, and her trusty canine companion, Sherlock. She was preceded in death by her brother Earl (Bud) and ex-husbands Michael Ryerson and Deke Olmsted.

Shirley's professional journey was marked by dedication and compassion. She graduated from Western Michigan University with a BS and Portland State University with an MSW. Her commitment to her field was evident as she soon earned her LCSW. For approximately 20 years, she worked as a medical social worker, retiring from Doernbecher Children's Hospital, associated with Oregon Health and Science University. Her role in the oncology unit was not just a job but a calling, where she compassionately counseled and advised children and their families. Families, the physician team, and colleagues held her in high regard.

Shirley's love for travel was a testament to her adventurous spirit. After graduating from WMU, she embarked on a nine-week hitchhiking journey across Western Europe with a college friend, a journey that was filled with unimaginable fun. This was just the beginning of her many international adventures. She explored Italy and Mexico multiple times, toured Ireland, biked through the Netherlands, rode a camel in the Sahara in Morocco, and hiked to Machu Pichu in Peru. Her travel list also included Bali and Spain. Her spirit of adventure was always alive, as she constantly imagined her next excursion.

Following her first trip to Europe, she joined her travel friend in Portland, Oregon, and she quickly decided to make Portland her permanent home. She and her sons, Joris and Michael, have lived in North Portland for 40+ years. She delighted in bridging her ties to Michigan with annual trips for the family summer picnic, playing cards, walking the shore of Lake Michigan, and eating gigantic ice cream cones from The Frosty Cove.

A love of learning, curiosity, and whimsy, she was always up to try something new. Shirley, Mike, Joris, and Michael's early years saw summers of camping and white water rafting. Other highlights included zip-lining, hiking the Grand Canyon and floating the Colorado River, hiking Angels Landing in Zion National Park, and running the Cascade Runoff. Amusement came quickly, and she loved to giggle and be silly with her companions. Whether it was weekly coffee with friends, book groups, pinocle parties, “Mary” Maids, pick-up happy hour, dog walks, or trips to the dump, she was game to be with her friends. Shirley treasured her solitary time as well. She was an avid reader, crossword, and Wordle player. She also loved watching Jeopardy and Monte Don episodes and snuggling with Sherlock. She found great pleasure and well-deserved pride in her garden and joy in offering fair-weather gatherings to her friends and barbecues with her sons.

Shirley defined the meaning of a "great friend" for many and enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to be part of her world. Comments from friends and family include: gardener

extraordinaire, adventurer, and baker; she loved walking and hiking; she was loyal and steadfast and was up for any adventure, "even trips to the dump!" and "to the laundromat to wash

blankets." Her motto was YOLO (You Only Live Once). She was adventurous, inquisitive, and whimsical; empathetic; “gracious and kind, strong, upbeat even in times of struggle."

Shirley's devotion to her family was unwavering, and her greatest joy was her sons, Joris and Michael. Her friends and family were blessed to share in her life, and she enriched their lives with her presence. Shirley was an extraordinary woman, and her absence is deeply felt by all who knew her.

Please send memorial donations to a few of her favorite non-profits: Portland Japanese Garden or Oregon Humane Society: https://japanesegarden.org/support-your-garden/

https://www.oregonhumane.org/donate/