Josephine Mary (Connolly) Mason (88 years old), daughter of the late John J. Connolly and Josephine G. (Kennedy) Connolly, and wife of the late Frederick, J. Mason, Jr., passed away on April 4, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by her devoted family as she passed into the loving arms of Jesus.
Josephine was raised in South Boston where she spent many happy years with friends and family and she kept those memories of her beloved “Southie” with her always. Josephine attended the Gate of Heaven grammar school and Archbishop Cushing High School. Josephine was an incredibly loving and protective sister to her 3 siblings, always making sure they knew they were loved. After high school graduation Josephine worked as a switchboard operator at the Bell Telephone Company. Josephine met the love of her life, Frederick J. Mason, Jr. , whom she married in 1955 and shared 65 beautiful years of marriage. They lived in Dorchester until 1961 until they moved to Franklin, MA where together they raised 8 children and built a happy home. Josephine and Fred retired to Florida where they spent many happy years at “The Villages”. Josephine spent her life as a completely selfless mother and grandmother. Her family was blessed to have been raised by such a devoted, selfless, strong and faithful woman.
Josephine was a communicant of St. Mary Parish where she taught CCD and was an active member of the women’s club, bowling league and the parish musicals. When her kids were older, Josephine worked part time as a switch board operator at Dean College. She loved going to BINGO, the casino and the ocean. Everyone who knew her was touched by her beautiful smile and incredible kindness.
Josephine is survived by her eight children – Frederick J. Mason, III and his wife Cathy of Norfolk, AnnMarie Brewer and her husband Jeffrey of Franklin, John Mason and his wife Lisa of Sturbridge, Michael Mason and his wife Becky of Plainville, Walter Mason and his wife Robin of Franklin, Mary Jo Rett and her husband Christopher of Uxbridge, Elizabeth Mason of Franklin and Patrick Mason and his wife Leigh of Ipswich. She was loved deeply by her 24 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She is survived by her loving sister MaryAnn of Quincy, MA. In addition to her husband, Josephine was predeceased by her granddaughter Grace Rett and her siblings, John Connolly and Caroline Locurto.
Josephine’s family is especially grateful for the Hospice care she received during her illness.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Grace Center c/o Our Lady Valley Regional School, 75 Mendon Street, Uxbridge, MA 01569.
Calling hours will be held at the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin on Thursday April 7, from 4-7 PM and her funeral Mass be held on Friday April 8 at St. Mary Church at 10:00 AM. To view the Mass live: stmarysfranklin.org
Burial will be on Tuesday April 12, at the National Cemetery in Bourne, MA. at 2:00 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend the services and asked to adhere to current COVID protocol.