Kathleen Ann Masson

April 10, 1961 - August 15, 2019

Obituary For Kathleen Ann Masson

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).

Services

TBD

Cemetery

Raleigh Memorial Park Glenwood Avenue Raleigh, NC Get Directions »

24 Aug

Memorial Service

01:00 PM

North Raleigh United Methodist Church 8501 Honeycutt Road RALEIGH, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

September 01, 2020

emily grimes

I feel amazingly blessed to have had Kathy in my life. She showed me what true Christian spirit looked like. She exuded sincere warmth and kindness and commitment to helping others even when her own needs became heavy. She will be missed by the many lives she touched May she enjoy true rest and joy in Christ.
September 01, 2020

Hannah Sullivan

As Kathys neighbor, I came to know how much she enjoyed the beautiful, everyday things in life. She enjoyed her home, yard and flowers, and was always adding thoughtful touches to enhance their beauty. She liked walking her two little dogs, and taking long walks with her husband Steve around the neighborhood. Over the backyard fence, she was quick to shareor listento a story of the days events. And, as her neighbor, it was clear to me how much she cherished her husband and family, as well as her sweet dogs. As I read her obituary, I realized there were many wonderful things I didnt know about Kathy. I learned she was not only a great neighbor, but an accomplished woman in a myriad of ways. I will certainly miss my neighbor, but take comfort in knowing that Kathy will live on in the many lives she so lovingly touched, including my own. May she rest in peace.
September 01, 2020

Kathy Thiel

Kathy was always full of kindness and had an attitude of being grateful, even in the midst of overwhelming obstacles with her health. She always looked for the good in you and was very encouraging. So grateful for the impact she had for many of the people struggling with Lyme and Coinfections. She brought us all together and started a wonderful internet group for those suffering the effects of Lyme Disease. I also got to know her in CBS and was very loved by all who knew her. Will always treasure her testimony of faith. She lived this out for the world to see.
September 01, 2020

Mary Al-Akhdar

The sentence I will always remember from Kathy..."keep it positive!" She had an inner peace that a person runs across seldom in a lifetime. Now she is with God. She is home.
September 01, 2020

Susan Jones

Kathy was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever met. She tried to never miss class and always smiling and keeping the faith. She had been in my Bible Study Group last couple of years and will miss her greatly. Love & prayers to her family, Susan Jones