Donna Jean Mason

Donna Jean (Fox) Mason, 80, loving wife, mother, grandmother (Nonnie) and friend passed away suddenly on Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois. We will miss her loving smile and infectious laughter. She had an adventurous spirit and so enjoyed the many trips she took with her husband John (Jack) and their friends. They met amazing people along the way and Donna never met a stranger. She will be missed but not forgotten. Donna was born April 7, 1934, in Marne, IA, the daughter of Della Fox Beers and John Fox. On July 27, 1957 Donna and Dr. John (Jack) C. Mason began their wonderful marriage of 57 years having met in Chicago where Jack did his obstetrical and gynecologic residency and Donna was working as a nurse. They moved to Fort Leonard Wood, MO upon her husbands U.S. Army assignment. In 1961, they chose Danville as home and raised four sons and built Jacks medical practice together. They were truly partners in family and career. She embraced all the many roles she took on as a mom, like short order cook, teacher, advisor, manners instructor, nurturer, and friend. But even with all she did for her family, she found time for the community she loved. She was active in the Center of Children's Services, United Way, Lakeview Auxiliary, Danville Symphony Orchestra Guild, and Junior Service Club, Vermillion County Medical Alliance, P.E.O. Chapter HX, Danville Country Club, `the Camilla Study Group, Clover, Club, Danville Garden Club to name a few. She loved to entertain and hosted many wonderful parties. One of her favorites was a Christmas Eve open house where over the years her friends and their growing families could reunite to celebrate the season. She helped to create many wonderful memories and was a treasured friend. We are most grateful for her love, her laughter, and the many lessons she left us. Donna is survived by her loving husband, Jack, and is the proud mother of her children, John (Jane) of St. Charles, IL; Jeffrey of Irving, TX; Mike (Lisa) of Rockmart, GA; and Steve (Kathy) of Fort Collins, CO. Nonnie, as she is called by her eight grandchildren that she loved and treasured greatly, will always be with Anne, John, Stephen, David, Will, Abigail, Madeleine and Cole. She now joins her mother (Della) that she loved so dearly and all the extended family that she so loved, in heaven. A Christian Mass of Burial for Donna will be held at 11:00 am., Monday, December 22, 2014, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Danville, with Father Greg Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, December 21, 2014, from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville. She will be laid to rest among many friends in Sunset Memorial Park, Danville. Memorial donations may be given in lieu of flowers in Donna's name to, St. Paul's Catholic Church, Danville Area Community College Foundation and University of Illinois Foundation. Please join Donna's family in sharing photos, videos and memories through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com