Joyce M. Mason

Mason (Nieft), Joyce Mae, age 90, of Maumee, Ohio, died Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Elizabeth Scott Community, surrounded by the compassionate, loving care of her family, the nursing staff at Elizabeth Scott, and Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Joyce was born May 11, 1936, in Toledo, Ohio, the daughter of Harriet "Hattie" (Stranz) Nieft Hoops and Elmer Nieft — sister of Ronald Frederick Nieft.

A proud 1954 graduate of Libby High School, Joyce was once asked by her granddaughter, “Grandma, you know how in high school there’s the pretty one, the smart one, and the popular one — which were you?” Joyce smiled and said, “I was the funny one.” Her wit was gentle, quick and disarming. Anyone who knew her would agree - humor was her quiet superpower.

Joyce met the love of her life, Clarence “Pat” Mason, on a double date. She caught his eye immediately — not with glamour, but with the joyful, bright energy she carried everywhere she went, and the simple red dress that suited the style of the 1950s as naturally as it suited her. She loved telling the story of coming home from work to find her mother waiting at the door, delighted to announce that a handsome sailor had stopped by to see her.

From that moment on, their story unfolded with a lifetime of devotion filled with laughter, loyalty, and deep affection.

Joyce fulfilled her dream of being a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Her dreams grew even larger in 1964 when she and Pat took a leap of faith and bought a cottage on Hemlock Lake — a decision that shaped their family for generations. The cottage became a place of joy, rest, and memory-making, a gift that continues to echo in the hearts of her children and grandchildren.

Once her children were in school, Joyce worked as a scheduler at the Lutheran Old Folks Home on Seaman Street in Toledo. Long before computers made the task easier, she coordinated the nursing staff’s schedules with precision, patience, and the interpersonal grace that earned her deep respect.

After retiring, Joyce joyfully volunteered to run the Thrift Shop at St. Lucas Lutheran Church — a congregation rooted in her family’s German heritage. Only Joyce could transform a humble basement thrift shop into something that felt like Dillard’s. She and her volunteers welcomed everyone with dignity and warmth, especially those whom society too often overlooked. Her kindness was expansive, instinctive, and without condition.

Throughout her life, Joyce was a passionate and gifted gardener. Gardening was her sanctuary — a place of quiet joy, reflection, and conversations with God. Of all the things she loved, tending to the beauty she nurtured was her truest delight.

If you met Joyce, you loved her. The affection she received from others was never something she sought; it was simply the natural response to her essence, grace, kindness and her warm, inviting sense of humor. People often told her family, “She’s the sweetest lady,” or “She’s our favorite.”

The dream Joyce never intentionally chased — being beloved by so many — became the one she fulfilled most effortlessly.

In her own words, scribbled recently on coffee-stained note paper decorated with red roses; "What a Life I have Lived!"

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence “Pat” Mason; her parents, Harriet “Hattie” (Stranz) Nieft Hoops and Elmer Nieft; and her brother, Ronald Frederick Nieft.

She is survived by her children, Mike (Sue) Mason, Rick (Annette) Mason, Lori (Bob) Ritter, and Matt Mason; her grandchildren; Sarah Sigurdson, Ben Sigurdson, Kate (Dan) Meyers, Patrick (Angie) Mason, Meg Coci, Steve (Kristen) Mason, and Sam Mason; and her great grandchildren, Ana Leigh DuBois, Zara Mason, Ava Mason, Luke Mason, Emma Mason, and many extended family members and friends who cherished her.

A celebration of Joyce's life will be held Saturday, June 27, at 10:00 AM, at her beloved St. Lucas Lutheran Church, 745 Walbridge Ave., Toledo, Ohio 43609, followed immediately by a brief burial service at Toledo Memorial Park. During this service, the cremains of Joyce, her husband Pat, and his sister, Jeanette Mason, will be laid to rest together. We welcome you to join the family at 12:00 PM at the Elks Lodge, 139 W. Wayne St., Maumee, for a luncheon and shared remembrance as we continue to honor Joyce's life and legacy. Guests should enter the Elks Lodge from W. Wayne St.

Donations may be made to St. Lucas Lutheran Church, Elizabeth Scott Community, Hospice of Northwest Ohio, or the charity of your choice, in Joyce's memory.