Nancy Mason passed on the evening of September 5th, 2026, after a wonderful evening with friends and family and an even more wonderful life.

She dedicated her life and her work to caring for others and bringing joy into the world. She was so successful in both of those.

She taught those around her in music, in ceramics, and in life. While she worked in schools and in her various churches for over 70 years, she shone brightest with her children (Sue, Eric, Pete).

She cared for all those around her and was a bright light to all those who were in need of a gentle touch, a kind word, or a loving hug. Nancy would often strike up conversations with strangers, learn their story, and within minutes be deep in conversation about their lives. Everyone felt this depth of care for all humans, creatures, and the world overall throughout her 90 years, 9 months, and 15 days on this earth.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 69 years, Larry; her daughter Sue; her sons Eric and Pete; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and hundreds of adoring fans worldwide.

Her friends and church family knew her as Nan, and they are spread across the country from her time growing up in Michigan, living in Chicago, Los Angeles, and for most of her life in Southern Oregon. The love she gave and the joy she created through stories, singing, rocks, art, and caring for others created lasting connections that will be missed.

She sang in the Rogue Valley Chorale for decades, and music was one of the primary directions and inspirations of her life. She earned a music degree from Western Michigan University, which set her on a lifelong path in music. She sang in church choirs, sorority choirs, school choirs, any group she could find, in the car, and sometimes even ad hoc by herself in front of an unexpected audience to the chagrin of her boys.

Likewise, a spark of creativity lit during her time in California in ceramics, leading to a long career in pottery, in which she and Larry helped found the Rogue Valley’s Clayfolk.

That aspect of creation, whether in throwing pots, creating necklaces and hand-crafting animals, drawing, photography, and a business producing greeting cards, was a sign of her never-ending creativity, kindness, and foundational belief that she could and would bring joy to this world and the people here.

If you knew Nan (Nancy, Nana, Grandma, Mrs. Mason), in lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Rogue Valley Chorale. She would love the idea that her life is celebrated in the music that they bring to the world. A celebration of her life will be held at the First Christian Church of Medford (1900 Crater Lake Avenue) on October 10th at 3 PM. All are welcome.