Cleo Ann Mason

She is survived by her husband Bob Mason; her daughters Betsy (Busbee) Knight of Maui, Catherine Busbee of Oceanside, and Melissa (Busbee) Ware of Coronado; and her granddaughters Tatum and Sylvia Ware of Coronado.

Cleo will always be remembered as a gentle, kind, and lively soul who was always up for a little adventure.

Born in northern Minnesota, she headed out to the Twin Cities after high school to pursue a career as a legal secretary, and then traveled the world as a military wife, married to US Air Force fighter pilot John Busbee. She raised her daughters in Okinawa, Las Vegas, and Virginia before settling for many years in Coronado as a single mom.

And she was definitely one of the most fun-loving moms around -- always up for the beach, dancing to the music, mad-cap shopping trips, and laughter-filled dinners out at Marco’s or Wendy’s or wherever. At home she was exceptionally warm and gracious to all, and impromptu dinner guests were always welcome.

As her daughters were growing up, Cleo went back to work, first with McDonnell Douglas and then Boeing, launching what became a 30-year career as a highly valued administrator in aerospace. During much of this career, she worked as part of the admin team for the International Space Station, seeing this exciting project through its early years, into its launch, and beyond.

And it is through this project that Cleo met the love of her life, Boeing engineer Bob Mason. Bob and Cleo were married in July 2002 at their home in Long Beach, CA. From there they began a joyful stretch of post-retirement adventures, including many trips throughout the Midwest visiting family and friends, and then moving to Maui in 2004. While living on their tropical farm in East Haiku, Cleo and Bob were avid gardeners and Cleo had plenty of time and inspiration to paint -- a pursuit she loved throughout her life.

After eight years in the Haiku countryside, it was time for them to return to Southern California, as Cleo’s two beautiful granddaughters had been born in Coronado. Cleo and Bob initially moved to Coronado and then ultimately settled in their lovely home overlooking Tecolote Canyon, where they spent many hours enjoying their hobbies, entertaining loved ones, and delighting in the animal and bird life that visited their garden.

Cleo will always be remembered for her quick sense of humor, her gentle warmth, and her kindness to all people and creatures who were lucky enough to cross her path. She was a marvelous mom, an adored and loving wife, and a friend to all she met.

Services will be held on Monday, December 18, from 3:00 to 5:00 pm, at Pacific Beach – La Jolla Chapel, followed by a gathering at the Coronado home of Melissa and Charlie Ware. Attire is casual or Hawaiian.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to Alzheimer’s San Diego in Cleo’s memory is suggested.