Long time Grand Terrace resident Irene Mason celebrated her 100th birthday last Saturday, February 10th at the home of Ophelia Breckenridge with about 12 of her closest friends. She dined on her favorite meal of prime rib – prepared bloody rare from Black Angus.
Irene was born in Main on February 10th, 1918. She graduated from high school in 1936. Her graduating class only consisted of 8 students. By the time Irene turned 20 she was already married and had two children. They are Brian Akers, who is now deceased and Lee Cambria.
During WW2 she was a bonafied “Rosie the Riveter.” She spent her time welding on new tanks. After the war she worked on a farm in Maine. She later became a shoemaker and would hand stitch the shoes.
In 1957 Irene made the move to California so she could attend the University of Southern California Riverside. (UCR) It was here that she worked hard and graduated with her master’s degree in English. During her time at UCR she worked as a waitress. It must have been a difficult time for her as she hates the smell of coffee.
In the mid-sixties she was an English professor at Riverside Community College. (RCC) She held this position for several years. Her last job was working as a probation officer for the San Bernardino County. She worked in this position for about 15 years.
She retired in 1983. After which she could be seen cruising around town in her sporty 1966 mustang convertible. Irene was also very active in the Grand Terrace Friend of the Library. She was an active reader until her eyes failed her.
She would also enjoy listening to jazz and going to the opera and theater with her friends. She now enjoys her cat, friends, food and viewing figure skating on TV.
At the age of 100 she is still going strong.