NEW GLASGOW – Estelle Marie Mason, 59, lost her brave battle with cancer (leukemia) at the QE II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax on Saturday, June 27, 2009, peacefully, with her family by her side.
Daughter of Beatrice Mason (Falconer) and the late Norbert Mason, Estelle spent her early years in New Glasgow, graduating from NGHS in 1967. She later earned a B.A. from St FX and a B.Ed from MSVU.
After teaching school in Newfoundland for a short time, she moved to Montreal and Toronto, to pursue other career interests. Later returning to Halifax, Estelle enjoyed her work with the NSPC and HRM for 20 years before retiring in 2007.
All who knew Estelle were graced with her lively spirit and infectious humour. She had many hobbies and was a lifelong learner with interests ranging from music, current events and education, to fitness, travel, and even TV repair. With a sound musical background, Estelle participated in numerous New Glasgow Music Festivals in her youth. She later contributed her talent to several community choirs and joined her family in the production of the Mason Family Christmas CD in 2005.
Estelle was also keenly interested in travel, visiting many countries in Europe, China and touring throughout North America.
A long-time kidney transplant recipient, Estelle received the gift of life from her sister Judy in 1979, a gift she cherished and honored until her death. In appreciation of this gift, she worked on her health and fitness throughout her life.
She is survived, and will be sadly missed by her mother, Beatrice Mason (Falconer), sisters: Phyllis McGrath, Big Island; Judith, Halifax; Clare (Mike) Grieves, Halifax; Doris, Big Island; brothers, Jerry (Mary), New Glasgow; Ralph (Ann Marie), Ottawa; nephews: Robert McGrath, Tom, Ross, Patrick, Michael, Danny Mason, Collin Grieves; nieces: Heather McGrath, Grace, Bridget Mason; Caroline Grieves.
She was predeceased by her father, Norbert Mason; brothers: Gordon, Cyril and Allen (in infancy); paternal grandparents, John and Catherine Mason; maternal grandparents, Melbourne and Mary Falconer; brother-in-law, David McGrath.
The family will receive visitors from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 3rd, at the Angus Funeral Home, New Glasgow. All are welcome to join the family to celebrate Estelle’s life with a memorial Mass at 11 a.m. July 4, 2009 at our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church, with Father Peter MacDonald officiating.
Donations in memory of Estelle may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of one’s choice.
On line condolences may be forwarded to angusfuneral@ns.sympatico.ca