BRENDA FRANCES MASON

Brenda Frances Johnson Mason was born to Janie and Edward Johnson on August 8, 1942 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, their only child. She passed away with her family by her side, on May 3, 2025. Brenda was born at Hahnemann Hospital, raised in West Philadelphia, attended Saint Ignatius Elementary School and graduated from West Catholic High School in 1960, where she actively participated in Athletic, Camera, Aides, and Spanish clubs. She later studied at Burlington County College and began her career at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. From a young age, Brenda had a deep passion for embracing life to the fullest. As an only child, she naturally connected with others, easily making friends and fostering meaningful relationships within her community. Her warmth and genuine curiosity about people made everyone feel special, as if they were her closest friend. Brenda approached every moment of her life with boundless enthusiasm and unwavering faith. Her remarkable ability to find humor in even the toughest situations empowered her to rise above any challenge or setback, turning adversity into an opportunity for growth and joy. Her strong belief in the goodness of life and the power of hope guided her through each day, inspiring everyone around her to carry on with resilience and optimism. In 1959, Brenda met Alfred “King Foo Foo” Mason while walking down Fairmont Avenue and Lex Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brenda spoke to Alfred first, and from that moment, she had the first and last word. They were married April 14, 1962 at St. Ignatius Church and celebrated 26 years of marriage. From this union they had four amazing children, Chad, Alfred, Jr. aka Mookie, and the twins Mashea and Michele. As a military wife, Brenda and her family lived in Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Dix, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and eventually settled in Willingboro, New Jersey. She made every place they lived feel like home, often organizing fun events for her children, Chad and Mookie, and the other military kids. The family had many memorable, fashion-filled adventures, including a special cruise to Bermuda where Brenda won the kids' costume contest by creatively dressing Mookie as a bunny using toilet paper. As the family settled in Willingboro, Brenda served as a crossing guard and the substitute caller for the Willingboro Public School System. In these roles, she ensured students arrived at school safely each day and that every Willingboro school had a high-quality teacher in front of them. This marked the beginning of her many years of dedicated service and volunteering. In 1988, Brenda embarked on a new chapter in life, one defined by faith, family, and friends. She began her career at Hampton Hospital before dedicating the next 20 years to healthcare. As a Residential Living Solutions Specialist, Brenda provided support to women who were battered, as well as adults in foster and residential care with disabilities. She was also committed to ensuring her daughters, Mashea and Michele, had the best opportunities, advocating for them to receive full scholarships to William and Mary. Brenda was always there to help friends and neighbors in need, offering her unwavering support as a reliable and compassionate care provider. In retirement, Brenda enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She cherished moments with the Platinums and had a love for TikTok, as well as music from Bruno Mars and Pitbull. Brenda loved taking Alfred, Tara, and Dahc out for dinner and movies. One of her favorite memories was traveling to Las Vegas with her daughter Michele to see Bruno Mars and Pitbull in concert. She could often be heard singing 'That’s What I Like.' A proud Eagles fan, Brenda was ecstatic to see them win the Super Bowl this year—E-A-G-L-E-S - EAGLES! Always on the go, she was constantly planning the next outing or trip. Brenda lived life to the fullest, always having fun and creating lasting memories. While we are devastated with the loss our Mom, grandmom, and sister, Brenda will always be in our hearts to the “moon and back.” She began each day with prayer, thanking God for both the big and small blessings. Let us all embrace the gratitude for each day and one another that Brenda so beautifully modeled for us. Brenda is survived by Alfred Mason, Sr., her children Chad Mason (Robin), Alfred “Mookie” Mason, Jr (Terri), Mashea Mason Ashton (Kendrick), and Michele Mason. Her grandchildren Alfred Mason, III, Tara Mason, Dahc Mason, Dylan Ashton, and Kendrick F. Ashton, III (Duke), Jillian Mason and a host of cousins, and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janie Riley; her stepfather, Albert Riley; and her father, Edward Johnson. Live stream link https://www.youtube.com/@corpuschristiwillingboro7674/streams

BRENDA FRANCES MASON

August 8, 1942 - May 3, 2025