Julia Marie Mason

Julia Marie (Tolin) Mason 03/02/1918 – 07/07/2013 Julia Marie (Tolin) Mason, age 95, passed away on July 7, 2013 in Lakewood, WA. She was born in East St. Louis, Illinois on March 2, 1918 to Edwin William and Adele (Asfeld) Tolin. Julia spent most of her life there, and across the Mississippi in St. Louis, Missouri. Julia told many warm stories about her parents, brother, and sister, who called her DeeDee. Growing up during the Great Depression, she learned frugality and ingenuity. After High School graduation, she married Gilbert Mason of Ellery, Illinois. They had four children: twins Donald G Mason and Marian M (Murray), Judith Ann (Terhune), and Lana Jean (Riesenberger, Cutright). Out of necessity, she raised her children while working to support her family. For many years she worked as a waitress, then served as Director of Admitting at Childrens’ Hospital in St. Louis, a job she loved. Julia was a Girl Scout Leader, excellent card player, and appreciated music and the arts. Learning to drive late in adulthood, she charmed her grandchildren by singing along with commercials and songs on the radio. She was active in the American Business Women’s Association, was “Boss of the Year”, and served as President of the Lewis & Clark Chapter of ABWA. Just as she was enjoying retirement, and keeping up with news of the lives of her grandchildren, Julia began the long downward journey of Alzheimer’s Disease. Her last 8 years were spent in care facilities in Belleville, Illinois and in Lakewood, Washington near her daughter Marian’s home. She gradually drifted away from her family, her memories, and the world, and we miss her lively spirit. Julia was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Adele, her brother Bill, her ex-husband Gilbert, son Don, and daughters Judy and Lana. She is survived by her sister Juanita “Toddy” (Harry) Cruncleton, lifetime citizens of Belleville, Illinois, and now of Florida. She is also survived by her daughter, Marian, of University Place, Washington. Julia has 15 grandchildren, 2 nieces, and many great-grandchildren. Julia’s caregivers offered safety, kindness, tapioca, good care, her favorite TV shows, and a home to be proud of in her final years. The family appreciates Phet and Eric Cruz and everyone at Autumn Living for their loving care. Her ashes will rest next to her children at Valhalla Cemetary in Belleville, Illinois. There will be no services. Donations in her memory might be directed to the Alzheimer’s Foundation.