Mary Mason Dannegger

Mary Mason Dannegger was one of the most beautiful, caring, friendly spirits you could ever meet. Her smile was infectious and she had a gift of making everyone feel special and loved. She was born January 31, 1944 in Salinas, California. Her father, Howard S. Mason, was a Purple Heart recipient, who gave his life for our country in WWII when Mary was only four months old. She grew up in St. Louis with her mother, Bernice Fleming Mason, her grandparents, and her many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She met her husband, Bob, on a blind date in 1961. Bob was immediately attracted to her smile and outgoing personality. They wed two years later. In June of 2016, they celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. Together they raised two beautiful daughters, Michelle and Holly. Mary and Bob moved to Raleigh, NC in 1978. Following her retirement from her career as an executive secretary, Mary earned her Master Gardener certification to further pursue her love of nature. Her garden is a sanctuary for her birds and creatures, and an enchanting wonderland for entertaining friends. Her magical spirit is now fluttering around her garden with the butterflies, leading her birds in song, gracefully dancing with the wind, and inspiring her flowers to bloom joyfully with their most radiant beauty. Mary was a devoted mother to her two daughters, Michelle Walsh and Holly Crumpler, and built loving relationships with her sons-in-law Bob Walsh and Grady Crumpler, and former son-in-law, Jay Rocker, and their families. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Minnie” to her grandchildren Madison and Jake Rocker, and Dylan and Lee Mason Crumpler. Mary and Bob were long-time patrons of the Carolina Ballet and enjoyed attending the dress rehearsals and performances and enjoyed their relationships with the staff and dancers. Mary also loved to gamble and enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas with her friends and family. She was able to make a final trip to Vegas just a couple of weeks before her death. She passed peacefully on September 28, 2016. We are inspired by her strength and courage as she endured ovarian cancer for over two years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Carolina Ballet 3401-131 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC 27604 or Gynecologic Cancer Research Fund Duke University Medical Center Division of Gynecology/Oncology Box 3079 Durham, NC 27710

Mary Mason Dannegger

January 31, 1944 - September 28, 2016