Sandra D. Mason

A TIME TO BE BORN

Sandra Deborah Mason, lovingly known as Sam, Sandy, or Debbie, was born on October 2, 1953, at Breyer Hospital in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to Robert Sagasta and Alice Dolores Harding (Gilbert). She spent most of her life in Ypsilanti, where her roots and heart remained. On June 5, 2025, Sam passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family following a courageous battle with cancer. She was 71 years old.

A TIME TO LIVE

Sam graduated from the Romulus School District in 1971. She briefly attended Eastern Michigan University, where she formed a lifelong friendship with Bonnie Willis. That friendship, built on love and laughter, remained strong for over 50 years.

Raised in the AME Church, Sam reaffirmed her faith and joined Brown Chapel AME Church in November 2023, publicly declaring Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior—a decision that brought her and her loved ones great peace.

Sam’s career began with a variety of jobs, but in 1977, she found her calling in the airline industry. She started with Southern Airways and continued through its transitions to Republic, Northwest, and finally Delta Airlines. In 2017, she was proudly promoted to Red Coat (Supervisor), a role she embraced with professionalism and warmth. After 43 years of dedicated service, she retired in 2020.

Not one to sit still for long, Sam took an after-retirement job at LaFontaine Automotive Group, where she worked alongside her nephew, Aaron. Many at LaFontaine affectionately referred to her as “Aunt Sam.” In just a few years, she made a lasting impression on colleagues and customers alike with her warmth, work ethic, and signature charm.  She also talked her husband John into working there as well, and they continued to work side-by-side just as they had done after meeting at Northwest.

Beyond work, Sam loved to bowl and spent many joyful years competing with her team at Wayne Bowl.  Sam was a member of several close-knit groups, including her investment club, the “Just Us” crew of coworkers, and a family game night circle. She was the ultimate hostess—welcoming, generous, and full of life.  She was also diehard Detroit Lions fan, cheering on her Lions faithfully, win or lose.

A TIME TO LOVE

On July 15, 1995, Sam married John Mason in Las Vegas, Nevada, beginning a beautiful 30-year journey as husband and wife. Their love was strong, steady, and full of laughter. They recently renewed their vows, reaffirming their deep bond before the Lord called her home.

Together, Sam and John created a home that was always open—to family, friends, coworkers, and anyone in need of a warm meal or comforting word. Their home was a place of joy, holiday feasts, game nights, and heartfelt conversations.

Sam’s love extended to her blended family, she was a proud and present grandmother who celebrated every milestone and never missed a chance to share her pride in her family.

A TIME TO MOURN

Sam leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, John Mason, and her devoted mother, Alice Gilbert. She will be deeply missed by her nephew, Aaron Harding and his wife Michelle, along with her great-nephew Maddox Harding. She will be lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law, Pamela Staples and Beverly Pollock, and her blended family children, Tonia Saunders, Lolita (Andre) Mathis, Bree Henderson, and John (Kayla) Henderson. She will be treasured in the hearts of her grandchildren Tristan Saunders, Andre “AJ” Mathis Jr., Trey Henderson, Tristan Henderson, Tamia Henderson and great-grandson Qui’Sean Saunders.

Sam was preceded in death by her father, Robert Sagasta; her brothers, Michael (Karen) Harding and Robert (Karen) Harding; her mother and father-in-law, Maxine and Ralph Mason, Sr.; and her brother-in-law, Ralph Mason.

She leaves behind her lifelong friends Bonnie Willis (Jerry) and Audrea Hudson (Sid), as well as a host of cousins, extended family members, friends, and coworkers who were touched by her warmth, generosity, and loving spirit.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society (Donate - American Cancer Society) or to Brown Chapel AME Church (Giving - Brown Chapel AME Church).

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