Thursday, March 22, 2018
Hello. I read today of your mother’s passing in The Chronicle Herald and I didn’t want the day to pass before I took a moment to extend my sincere condolences. You have lost a very great woman in your life, and I expect she will leave an enormous hole in your heart for some time. I am Muriel, youngest daughter of Francis + Lucienne Mason, and I am compelled to tell you how your Mom was regarded as an icon among women, highly respected and admired by many.
None regarded her more highly than my own mother, who, too, lived in a Dutch Colonial house that her husband had built with his own hands. But my mother yearned for the finishes that your father, Russell, was able to give your perfect home. Dad’s work, albeit substantial, was more crude. And Mom would dream aloud and often of having all the amenities that your Dad had provided your Mom in that splendid Dutch Colonial work of art. When I first had an opportunity to set a foot inside the door of your mother’s home, I was just a child. My eyes darted from side to side, drinking in all the features and details of your house that my mother had spoken of so wistfully for so long.
But it was your mother herself who captivated me, not the house. She was warm and friendly, and multi-talented. Your oh-so-clever-mother could do anything. When I was in my late teens, I needed to stand for a friend’s wedding. Your Mom was tasked to make my dress. It was a thing to behold; big cape sleeves and a hood, instead of a hat. The edge of the sleeves and the hood were trimmed with white feather boa. The dress was exquisite. A few years later, when I myself was married, your mother made my wedding cake! It had 3 layers as I recall, and looked and tasted heavenly, like everything one dreams of for one’s wedding day!
Years later, when I had kids of my own, I decided that I would make them each a quilt. In actual fact, I pieced the tops and then scoured the country for someone to do the actual tedious job of quilting the thing. And none other than your mother was up to the task. She actually did 2 for me. The 3rd one ten years ago was just a little more than she was prepared to tackle, already into her 8th decade!
Your mother was a fabulous woman. I can only imagine that she was a super mom. How lucky you were to have had her in your life. Thanks for sharing her with the rest of us from time to time. I hope lots of wonderful memories of good times help fill the hole in your heart made by her passing.
