SULLIVAN REVIEW
VOL. 133 NO. 42
OCTOBER 20, 2010

Beatrice Elizabeth Mason

Beatrice E. Mason passed away October 15, 2010 at the age of 104.

Laporte's oldest resident Beatrice Elizabeth Mason was born April 13, 1906 in Baltimore, MD. Her mother was Carolyn Carpenter Mason and father W. Robert Mason.

Bee had her primary schooling in the old school house which was located on the present day site of Cosgrove Park, with Miss Jessie as one of her teachers. Bee graduated from Indiana Normal School and went on to become the first woman to hold the position of Director of Food Services for the Philadelphia school district. She retired in 1968, longer than most people work.

Bee was predeceased by her brother, Robert D. Mason (Boy), and her nephew R. Dane Mason Jr. She is survived by two nieces, Mary-Carol Mason of Florida and New Jersey and Betsy Mason Kahler and her husband Asher Kahler of Florida and South Dakota.

Bee was well known for her candy making, being featured on a local TV show, and also running a candy business for a short time with the former Marjorie Carpenter. One of her best customers was a bear, who visited Bee's back porch so often one summer that the Game Commission had to place a bear trap in the yard. The bear hated her butter creams and threw them all over the yard.

One of her fondest memories was her 100th birthday party which the town (spear headed by Mary Cosgrove) held in her honor. As one of Laporte's historians, she was always willing to use her talent for storytelling, which was enjoyed by all age groups.

Arrangements are being made by the Pennsylvania Cremation Society, and a Memorial Service will be held early next summer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Laporte Fire Co., or, The Mason Scholarship Fund c/o Laporte Citizens and Northern Bank.