Donnalyn "Donna" Dee (Jones) Mason

Donna Mason (Jones) was born in Long Beach, California on May 29, 1945 to Phyllis and Paul Jones.  Her childhood was filled with love, but was also tumultuous and difficult, as her parents struggled under the weight of responsibility.  However, with dogged determination, she pursued higher education and success in her own right.  She became the first member of her entire extended family to graduate from university and attained a Bachelor of Education.  At UCLA Long Beach, she also met her husband, Malcolm Mason.  After graduation, they moved north to Francois Lake, BC to both pursue jobs in teaching.

Life in Francois Lake was a pivotal and life-changing experience for Donna.  The beauty of the remote, forested landscape changed her.  She never forgot the sound of the ice groaning and cracking in the winter and languid summertime trips in their fishing boat.  She taught at the Burns Lake high school before she became a mother, eventually having two daughters before they made the decision to move to Kamloops, BC.  In Kamloops, they later welcomed a third daughter, a teenage foster who became family for life.

Donna pursued a career in adult/continuing education with TRU.  She never allowed work life to get too serious, keeping a water gun and her collection of crazy hats at the ready for times needing some levity.  She was an enthusiastic volunteer supporting the PTA, the YWCA women's shelter, the Kamloops Food Bank, Canada Summer Games and other local sporting teams and events.  She received many work awards, volunteer service awards and was recognized as a ‘Woman of Distinction’ by the City of Kamloops for her work in Education.  She was a lifelong learner and obtained a Masters in Education and even later a post-graduate diploma as an ESL teacher.

She embraced her retirement years and joined her daughters and friends on various adventures - backpacking, hiking, car trips, camping and travel.  She was an incredible grandma and was known for her warmth and the generous amount of time she spent with her grandchildren.  In her last year, she moved to Salmon Arm to be closer to family support.  She hosted TV and board game nights for her family and was infamous for having endless treats and goodies that only a grandma could offer.

She was predeceased by her sister, Dianne Rees, and husband of 50 years, Malcolm Mason.  She leaves behind 3 daughters, Holly Cleveland, Terri Mason and Marilyn Jules.  She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Tyler Cleveland, Julie Cleveland, Ryan Cleveland and Finlay Mason.  She will be missed.

In lieu of flowers, it was Donna Mason's wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the Kamloops Food Bank, where she volunteered for years. We will hold “The Donna Mason Party” in the spring and will announce the date and location soon (tentatively scheduled for April 11 in Kamloops).  Please come wearing a crazy hat, if you are inclined. We will be sharing joyous, humorous and touching stories and we welcome your contribution of stories and memories directly to family’s email or at thedonnamasonparty@gmail.com