Gloria Mason

Gloria Mason

FaIrfax

Gloria Ann Delbridge Mason, 76, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at The Views of Marion surrounded by the love of family. Her death resulted from complications of a stroke she experienced several months ago at her home of over 20 years in Fairfax, Iowa.

Gloria was born on July 24, 1946, in Macomb, Ill. The first eight years of her life were spent as a farmer's daughter

in Southern Illinois, where she started school in a one-room schoolhouse. After the family moved to Iowa, she attended school in Shueyville, Swisher and at College Community before graduating from Prairie High School in 1964. Her earlier activities included playing the accordion, being a member of 4-H and baton twirling. Her love of music further developed in high school where she was a member of the chorus and an avid popular dancer.

After high school Gloria attended business school and pursued a clerical career before the birth of her three boys. Her years as a proud and devoted mother saw her involved in supporting her sons in their activities. As they got older, Gloria returned to work and decided to go back to school to pursue her bachelor's degree in sociology at Coe College. She used that degree to develop a career in addiction counseling and worked for several social service agencies in the Cedar Rapids area before health issues forced her into early retirement.

Gloria could be described as a very strong, resilient, caring person. Her favorite way to spend time was with family and friends doing things they all enjoyed. Gloria had a love of baking, dancing and golf which occupied her time in earlier years. In later years she became a voracious reader and was one of the founding members of the Fairfax Library Book Club. She was actively involved in the New City Church in Cedar Rapids involved in bible study groups and working with the Care and Senior ministry there. Watching Cardinal games was one of her favorite pastimes and she treasured the time she was able to attend one of their games in person. She brought up her sons with unconditional love and taught them the values of family and hard work. Seeing her children succeed and watching her grandchildren grow were her great joys. Gloria always made time for family and friends and will live on forever in our hearts.

She is survived by her sons, Kevin (Lori) Short of Edmond, Okla., and Michael (Kara) Short of Rochester, Minn.; stepson, Harold (Noelle) of Mesquite, Texas; sister, Pat (Brad) Salzwedel of Brookfield, Wis.; grandchildren, Matt (Elise) Short, Joe (Hannah) Short, Zach Short, Layne Short, Jace Short and Addison Short; step-grandchildren, Laila and Beau; and two great-grandchildren, Rose and Henry Short.

Preceded in death by her parents, Sylvia Glenn and Raymond Delbridge; son, Rob Short; husband, Robert Mason; and sister, Pamela Delbridge.

The family would like to thank The Views of Marion and Mercy Hospice for their kind care and support.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 8, at New City Church located at, 5335 Midway Dr. NW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Colchester, Ill., near her parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that memorials be directed to New City Church, Hospice of Mercy or The Views of Marion.

Please share a memory of Gloria at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.