Mrs. Helen Mason, 86, of Rochester, Indiana, passed away on Monday, September 24 , 2018, at her home. A little over two years ago, Helen moved from Mount Prospect to Rochester to be closer to her daughter Alison and family.

In Guilford,  on October 2 , 1931, Helen Irene Dawson was born. She was a treasured daughter of Lloyd and Irene Smith Dawson. Growing up in Southeastern Indiana, as one of six children, she shared her childhood with a sister and four brothers. Helen graduated from Guilford High School in 1949.

On May 12 , 1956, Helen and Earl Eugene (Gene) Mason were married in Guilford. They shared 41 years of life's adventures. From their union came two daughters, Alison and Noreen, and a son, Keith. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of seven grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

Early in her career, Helen worked for Indiana-Michigan Electric in Lawrenceburg. She later worked as secretary for the Chemistry Department Head at Purdue University. Gene and Helen settled in Mount Prospect in 1968. After raising her family, she worked for Complete Office Services. She then worked at Rolling Meadows High School where she was a secretary to the principal until the age of 78, retiring in 2009. During her tenure at Rolling Meadows, she received several awards including the Education Support Personnel Award in 1993 and the Principal's Award Honoree in 2004.

A loyal and dedicated member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Mount Prospect, Helen served her church in a variety of capacities. She was secretary of the administrative board for many years.

Left to cherish Helen's memory are a daughter, Alison Heyde and husband David of Rochester; a son, Keith Mason and wife Chris of Gurnee; seven grandchildren: Randall Valin and husband Tim, Mason Heyde and wife Aereka, Kevin Mason and wife Michelle, Claire Mason, Caroline Clouser and husband Jordan, Blake Heyde, and Alec Heyde; two great-granddaughters: Harper Olivia Heyde and Harlow Lalla Heyde; a sister, Linda Murtaugh, of Dover; three brothers: Roy Dawson and wife Jane of Jupiter, FL, Paul Dawson and wife Bert of Lafayette, Clyde Dawson and wife Peggy of Guilford; three sisters-in-law:  Naomi Hostetter of Guilford, Eljean Mason of Fishers, Janet Dawson of Dover;  and several nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Lloyd and Irene Dawson; beloved husband Gene on June 15 , 1997; a daughter, Noreen Heyde, on June 3 , 2015; an infant sister, Martha Ellen Dawson; and a brother, Earl Dawson.

Pastor Kerry O'Brien will officiate services.  Interment will be in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.