Carol A. Mason

Carol A. Mason, “Toots”, 88, of Onaway, died Friday September 15, 2017 at Nash Manor Adult Foster Care Home in Onaway.  The daughter of Walter and Annie (Hart) VanZant, Carol was born at home in Forest Township October 1, 1928.  Blessed with 57 years of marriage, she and Owen L. Mason were united in marriage at the Lutheran Church parsonage in Cheboygan July 15, 1950.

A wonderful wife and mother, Toots was dedicated to making a warm and loving home.  She was an excellent cook and baker, making the best pies (and pie crust), as well as canning many of the fruits and vegetables she and Owen grew in their garden each summer.  She sewed clothing for her boys, mended and made beautiful quilts.  In addition to keeping her home, Toots ran the farm and raised beef cattle while her husband worked during the day.  Hardworking, her days started early and ended late, but Toots loved every minute of it.

Having a farm and raising cattle didn’t allow for taking vacations away from home but that didn’t bother Owen and Toots.  They were happy to spend time together taking a day trip or going for a long ride after dinner on a Sunday afternoon.  Devoted to each other, they enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt and fish together.  Strong in her Christian faith, Carol was a longtime member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Onaway.  She was humble with a gentle spirit and would do whatever she could to help others.  Above all she loved her family.  Nothing made Toots happier than spending time with her sons and their families.  An extremely proud grandmother, she adored her grandchildren and was known to spoil them.

  This strong and capable woman who was diligent in her work, loving and nurturing to her family, and kind, helpful, and caring to others will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving Toots are her two sons, Tim (Pam) Mason and Mick (Rea) Mason, both of Onaway; four grandchildren, Sarah Mason of Detroit, Shannon (Cory) Grzesikowki of Onaway, Justin Mason of Onaway and Ashley Mason (Andrew Cavin) of Texas; as well as four great-grandchildren, Zane, Zeb, Anka and Owen.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband July 9, 2007; a brother, Ivan Lawrence; and a sister, Genevieve Faircloth.

Visitation was held at the Chagnon Funeral Home Monday, September 18.  Carol’s funeral service was at Holy Cross Lutheran Church Tuesday, followed by a graveside service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Tower.  The Rev. Trenton Wollberg officiated.  Those planning an expression of sympathy please consider a donation in memory of Carol to Hospice of the Straits or to the Onaway Ambulance Equipment Fund.  Condolences may be shared with Carol’s family at www.chagnonfh.com.