Lily May Mason, 1923-2019

Lily May Mason passed away peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 20, at the age of 96. She was born on Sept. 17, 1923 in Bristol England to parents Rose and George Fennell.

During World War II she was swept (quite literally) off her bicycle by a handsome American GI by the name of Leonard Mason. They were married a full three weeks after the war ended on Sept. 25, 1945. She came to join the love of her life back in his home town of Liberty, Texas, in May of 1946 in a harrowing journey that included planes, trains, and automobiles all while 7 months pregnant with their first daughter.

Although she came to enjoy being a Texan, she never forgot her home town, and was often heard to say “oh, it reminds me of England.” She loved gardening, and most especially roses — they were so much a part of who she was, she even smelled like one.

Leonard entered eternal life in February of 1994, with special instructions to his brother William “Bill” Mason to look after his Lily after he was gone. Bill and his wife Linda took that request to heart and included her in their family.

Lily is survived by her brother, Frank Fennell; and sister, Margaret Smith, in Bristol, England; as well as her two daughters, Linda and Elizabeth; and three grandchildren, Mason, Danielle and Chardonnay (all Texans). She is also survived by great-granddaughter Riley Elizabeth Sweeney. Her family will miss her dearly, but they are comforted to know she has been reunited with Leonard who was waiting for her with a bouquet of roses, ready to take his “Dollbaby” home.

Services will be held at Allison Funeral Home in Liberty, Texas, on Friday Oct. 25.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Lily by donating to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).