Auntie Irene formed part of a generation of entrepreneurs who in Barbados of yester year, developed small businesses that served their communities well. Although engaged in a demanding job at Thicketts, she still found time to operate a shop, ably assisted by family members. She was generous and would offer credit arrangements to those who found it difficult to pay in cash, but she possessed a harsh disdain for dishonesty. Those who reneged on payment arrangements were told in no uncertain term of her feelings. She was always forthright and everyone knew where she stood on any matter or issue. The spirits of many, particularly men with a passion for drinking, were heightened by the products of her shop. They loved her and some, including my father, caller her 'baby' when she fulfilled their needs.
Her entrepreneurial orientation was again evident when she bought a fishing boat, and hired skilled seafarers to operate it. Her up-to-date accounting skills ensured that those who operated her vessel did so in an honest way. Her generosity of spirit also saw her offering free fish to others. She often journeyed to the beach and assisted her fishermen in transporting the fish from the water's edge to the shore.
Auntie Irene had a very high opinion of herself. Her self-concept was at a high level and she always sought to raise the level of self-esteem of others. One of her favourite sayings whenever she met anyone, particularly if she had not seen him/her for a long time, was "you look good enough", or "You look nice, nice, nice." This was her way of helping to make others feel good about themselves. In her latter days when her debilitating illness and excruciating pains restricted her movement, she sat in a wheel chair in her doorway and warmly greeted all who passed her way. I must add that in the same way that she repeated the word 'Nice' as mentioned earlier, she repeated "at all." e.g. a) I can't find Ricky at all, at all, at all. b) He won't pay me my money at all, at all, at all."
Irene Mason loved to dance and captivated the attention of all those who were privileged to see her on the dance floor. She was very proficient at the fox trot, the waltz and many other dance movements of the day. In one of my recent visits to her home, she recalled some of the good times she experienced, but was resigned to the fact that father time had ended that exhilarating episode in her life. She told me recently; "You see these two old feet here, they put down some moves on the dance floor. But I old now. I ain't no use now at all, at all, at all." She had a keen sense of humour.
Before closing this discourse with you, I feel compelled to pay tribute to one of her sisters, Vadna, known to all of us as Aunt Glen. While it is true that family members assisted with the general care and maintenance of Auntie Irene, it was Aunt Glen who consistently attended to many of her physical and emotional needs. Although adversely affected by age and infirmity, she persevered and in true Mason style struggled to help her sister even unto the end. She therefore epitomises the true quality for which the Mason/Straughan family is so well known.
Auntie Irene is gone but will never be forgotten for she made a lasting impression on our mind and has passed on to us the Mason legacy of determination, seriousness of purpose and tenacity to task. We will truly miss her.
In closing, I wish to inform you that Monica Aire, the daughter of Clyde and Erma Spencer, a great niece who lives in Nigeria, e-mailed to express her sympathy to the family. She is the god-daughter of the deceased.
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of our family, the whole Mason clan, I extend profound thanks to all of you for sharing in our moment of sadness and for the expression of sympathy. May she rest in peace and some glad day, rise in glory.
Thank you.
by Dr. Wismore B. Butcher
(Nephew)