Leslie Tichenor Mason's Obituary
Mrs. Leslie Ward Tichenor Mason, 75, of Cornelius, N.C. entered eternal life on January 13, 2017 while surrounded by her family. Beloved wife, sister, mother and grandmother, Leslie was born in the Bronx, N.Y., on January 21, 1941, and moved with her family to Glen Rock, N.J. at the age of nine. She graduated from St. Luke Catholic High School and married Frank Mason on February 24, 1962. They lived happily in Ramsey, N.J. for many years, until a corporate relocation brought them to Charlotte in 1986. They settled in Matthews and greatly enjoyed their new home.
Throughout her life, Leslie had a love of learning. She had an Associate’s Degree in chemistry from Fairleigh Dickenson and worked at Lederly Labs before marriage. After raising her family, she earned her B.S. in accounting from Ramapo College. She worked at Groz Beckert in Charlotte before earning her M.A. in psychology at UNCC, then worked as a therapist until she retired.
Leslie was very involved as a parishioner of St. Gabriel Catholic Church, especially in the Health Ministry, and chaired the annual Heart of a Woman luncheon for many years. She was a Daughter of the Revolution (DAR) and a talented genealogist and author of three well-researched books on her German and Irish ancestors. Leslie also started a genealogy club at Bailey’s Glen, her last place of residence. She and Frank were avid travelers and hikers who enjoyed many summers in the N.C. mountains.
Leslie was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Frieda Tichenor, and her brother, David Tichenor. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Frank Mason; their children, April Buttner (Mike) of Cornelius, NC and Rich Mason (Sydney) of Langhorne Township, PA; grandchildren Caitlin, Michael and Amanda Buttner and Alexander and Campbell Mason; sister, Christina Cahalan; and many loving in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, January 18 at James Funeral Home, Huntersville. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 19 at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Charlotte. A reception will follow in the St. Gabriel Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Gabriel Catholic Church and the Charlotte Observer Summer Camp Fund.
Leslie’s family is grateful to Dr. Erin Crane of the Levine Cancer Institute; Dr. Kevin Roof of Southeast Radiation Oncology; Hospice and Palliative Care, Lake Norman; and the nurses of the Levine Dickson Hospice House. A special thank you to friends and family near and far who offered prayers and comfort to Leslie, especially the wonderful friends of Bailey’s Glen who helped in countless ways.
Online condolences may be made at www.jamesfuneralhomelkn.com.
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