Shirley Mason

On Saturday, April 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family, Shirley Kathleen (Thrift) Mason passed away at the age of 77.  Shirley was born on November 30, 1945 in Baltimore, MD to James L. and Dorothy V. Thrift.

She was proceeded in death by her husband of 35 years, Norman W. Mason, in 2019 and is survived by her three children, Bobby Linck (Kim), Billy Linck, and Laurie Dalziel (Andy), along with her grandchildren to whom she was affectionately known as “Mom Mom” - Matthew, Andrew, Emily, Shane and Kyle. Shirley is also fondly remembered by her brother, Gary and sister-in-law, Robin, along with numerous nieces, nephews and very dear friends.

Shirley graduated from Woodlawn High School in 1964.  Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Bob Linck of Lansdowne, had her first child and started a long career as a medical secretary/office mgr for Drs. Ralph Updike and Raymond Bahr at St. Agnes Medical Center in Baltimore.  She loved her work there, until retiring in 2004, and cherished the many relationships she developed with co-workers, as well as the patients she came to know well.

Shirley lived for most of her adult life in the Glen Burnie area and was active in the community, early on with the North Glen Improvement Association as baseball coach and heckler of umpires, and later with American Legion Post 40, where she supported the Women’s Auxiliary.  She had many close friends - some would say everyone she met became a life-long friend to her - and maintained several of these relationships for over 60 years.  Most mornings during her later years were filled with numerous phone calls with her closest companions.  She and Norm loved to travel as part of the Oakie Doakie travel club of Pasadena, visiting many countries and cruising many waterways.  Cancun was her favorite annual destination.  She lived life to the fullest, with an infectious laugh, and also enjoyed Sundays with the Ravens, Friday nights at the American Legion, an occasional trip to a local Casino and spending quiet mornings on the back porch with her good friend, “Winston”.

Most of all, Shirley loved and cherished her family, who meant everything to her and she to them as well.  She always made sure her kids were supported in whatever way she could and was very proud of every accomplishment.  She was the beloved matriarch of the Houses of Thrift-Linck-Mason-Dalziel and will forever be in our hearts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The American Legion Post 40 or to the Hospice of The Chesapeake .