Marylou Mason

Marylou was preceded in death by her husband, George E. Mason; and brother, Joseph Hernandez.

Surviving to cherish her memory are her four sons, Anthony (Janie) Olivarez, Mark (Vickie) Olivarez, Ronald (Patricia) Olivarez, Richard "Rick" Olivarez; daughter, Cynthia (James) Rooker; grandchildren, Marcelo (Amy) Olivarez, Dominique (Dan) Schafer, Dalton Olivarez, Mitchell Olivarez, Erica Olivarez, Richard Olivarez, David (Jill) Olivarez, Ronald Olivarez Jr., James Olivarez, Gregory Olivarez, Candace (Chris) Rugg, Alex Olivarez, Jeremiah Rooker, and Jennessa Rooker; great-grandchildren, Norah, Benjamin, Charlie, Jayden, Peter, William; three sisters, Victoria Kapp, Benita Murray, Yolanda Bork; and friend, John Roy Castillo.

Marylou Mason has been a pillar in Michigan communities and internationally as a founding member of several long-standing institutions and traditional events. She was the first Hispanic female appointed by Governor James J. Blanchard as the Executive Director of Michigan Commission on Spanish-Speaking Affairs (COSSA) in August 1986. Since then she has served under two Democratic and two Republican governors cultivating bi-partisan support with the legislature. She initiated the Michigan Hispanic Heritage Month (HHM) celebration at the State Capital steps and grounds. As the major force for the establishment of (HHM) events; summits totaling over 1,500 students statewide participated in leadership, scholarship and financial aid workshops to become aware of resources to further their education. Hispanic Heritage Month has evolved into a cultural icon for over 25 years in Michigan continuing to showcase the rich contributions made by Michigan Hispanics. In 2003, Marylou was appointed as the first Hispanic female to the Board of Trustees for Lansing Community College. She advocated for affordable tuition, increased diverse student enrollment, hiring of faculty and staff. She was instrumental in establishing the Michigan Education Opportunity Fund. More than 400 Michigan students were provided financial scholarships through the fund during 1988 through 1997. The organization included conducting annual student leadership conferences consisting of leadership training workshops promoting academic achievement. In 1987, as the founder of ALSAME (Advocates for Latino Student Advancement in Michigan Education), she organized various college financial advisors and admission officers to actively recruit Hispanics to Michigan colleges and universities. Currently, ALSAME remains active with over 20 college and university representatives. In 1987, Marylou was also the first female Hispanic on the Michigan Department of Civil Service Executive Board. Her influences on the board lead to the advancement of Hispanics to professional executive level positions. Before her appointment, no Hispanic state troopers has been hired. During her appointment, forty-five Hispanic State Police Troopers were hired for the first time in history of Michigan State Police.

As a child migrant worker, her empathy helped forge support to increase migrant housing in Michigan. She testified on behalf of Senate bills #1162 & #1163 which lead to an increase of appropriations for $350,000 for additional housing for migrant farm workers. Although, Marylou has overcome poverty, faced discrimination in her lifetime as a migrant worker, female, Latina, and single-parent; she remained tireless in her pursuit to improve the lives for women, young adults, families in Michigan; nationally and abroad. Marylou has brought national attention to legislative issues that affect the Hispanic communities throughout the United States and Mexico. She continued to protect and promote civil rights for Hispanics throughout the country and her efforts earned her numerous national and international awards and recognitions. In November 2000, The National Hispana Leadership Institute (NHLI) awarded the first Regional Mujer Award (mujer translated means woman) which was presented at the Epcot Center, Orlando Florida. In March of 1998, Marylou was one of twenty-seven Hispanics selected nationwide by the Mexican government to attend a Mexico/United States Summit with Mexico’s President Ernesto Zedillo and his cabinet. They discussed issues and concerns that affected both the United States and Mexico. She was selected as one of forty women within the United States to participate in a Women’s Summit in Mexico City, referred to as Encuentro de Mujeres Mexicanas. During 2002, Marylou co-founded the first community college in Guadalajara, Mexico. It was a sister college with Lansing Community College. Subsequently, in April 2002, Mexican Presidente Vincente Fox nominated Marylou to be on the Mexican Consejro Advisory Council. Later in 2005, Marylou received the OHTLI award from the Honorable De Icaza, Ambassador from Mexico. The award is the highest award the Mexican government bestows on an individual outside the country of Mexico. Marylou was a pioneer and had been on the Advisory council for all three Mexican Presidents. She successfully coordinated the first and the only statewide citizenship ceremony held outside a Homeland Security facility where 1500 people became naturalized citizens.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 23 and from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. on Friday, May 24 at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 900 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48912. A rosary service will occur Friday night at 7 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2019 at St. Casimir, 815 Sparrow Ave., Lansing, MI 48910. The family will welcome guests one hour prior to the service.