Kathleen “Kathy” Masson, 58, of Raleigh, North Carolina, died on August 15, 2019, after a long struggle with cancer and the chronic effects of Lyme disease. Kathy’s life was characterized by thoughtfulness and kindness for others: her selfless dedication to her husband and children, initial career as an Occupational Therapist, second career as a teacher to very young children, as well as a variety of volunteer leadership roles. She was a woman of incredible faith, which sustained her through her life’s struggles and served as an extraordinary example to those who knew her well.

Kathy was the daughter of Mrs. Bonnie Bakinowski of Stuart, Florida, and the late Mr. Edward Bakinowski. She was born in Hialeah, Florida, on April 10, 1961, where she grew up until graduating from Hialeah High School in 1979. After her father’s sudden death, she attended Miami-Dade Community College and Florida International University, receiving a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Occupational Therapy, and became a registered Occupational Therapist in 1983. Kathy served as an Occupational Therapist for 10 years, specializing in Hand Therapy as a Certified Hand Therapist, in both the large hospital and outpatient rehabilitation center settings. After having two children, she decided to redirect her full-time effort towards managing the home and raising her children. Once the children grew older, she resumed her education at Trinity International University and received a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Elementary Education in 2003, after which she returned to work in a part-time teaching role. She also served in a variety of volunteer positions, including those where she taught preschool, elementary school and adult education, primarily in the area of Christian education. Kathy was stricken by the chronic effects of Lyme disease when she was 49 years old, and despite this challenging 9-year struggle, she founded and managed the Central Carolina Lyme Support Group to help others. The Group was dedicated towards positive support and the sharing of important health information for its members.

Kathy had a variety of interests throughout her life. She embraced the outdoors and loved to hike, camp and be in touch with nature; this passion was developed during her childhood years. She was an Explorer Scout and traveled during her high school years to Europe, South America, and Alaska. She enjoyed playing tennis, swimming, attending college football and baseball games, and participated in coeducational softball. Kathy also had a passion for music and singing. She was a talented flutist, and played in a traveling ensemble.

Kathy married Stephen “Steve” Masson of Miami, Florida, on June 20, 1981. They recently celebrated their 38th wedding anniversary, and at the time of her death, over 39 years together. Kathy and Steve had a very loving marriage and friendship together. They cherished the raising of their children, close relationships with family and friends, traveling, and everything of their lives.

Kathy is survived by her husband, Steve, their two children, daughter, Julie Masson Schmoll of Wake Forest, North Carolina, son, Andrew Masson of Denver, Colorado, and her two toy poodles, Mia and Jesse. Kathy is also survived by her mother and three siblings, Edward (Woody) Bakinowski of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, Crystal Parrinelli of Stuart, Florida, and Michael Bakinowski of Palm City, Florida, as well as several nephews and nieces, cousins, and many great friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Kathy will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2019 at North Raleigh United Methodist Church, 8501 Honeycutt Road, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27615. Family, friends, and acquaintances are all welcome to the gathering with refreshments immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Kathy to the highly-efficient Breast Cancer Research Foundation (https://www.bcrf.org) or the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Educational Foundation (https://iladef.org).