Ilene Willet Mason, 86, daughter of the late Herbert C. Williams and Irene  Williams Brooks departed this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday afternoon, April 12, 2022, at home, surrounded by her loving family.  Ilene was born on June 6, 1935, and attended Bridgeton public schools.  On September 15, 1952, Ilene married her high school sweetheart the late William Henry (Bill) Mason, a union lasting 58 years until Bill's passing.  And from that union they had five children: Daniel; Patricia; Nancy; Gale; and Carolyn.

Ilene was a loving and devoted mother to her children and loved spoiling her grand and great grandchildren.  Ilene provided the same love and support to her nieces and nephews.  Ilene always planned fun activities that involved swimming at Mary Elmer Lake and Stoney Point; roller skating; going to the Bridgeton Drive-in on numerous occasions, even seeing the "original" West Side Story, King Kong versus Gonzilla, and other block buster movies.  No matter the situation, everyone knew Ilene was the go to person to talk about every- and anything, "no holds bar!"

Ilene enjoyed sewing and making outfits for her children and formal attire for family and friends.  In 1969, Ilene took her sewing skills to another level and was employed at Theber Corporation sewing factory in Bridgeton and becoming its union shop chairperson.  While at Theber's, Ilene studied and  received her General Educational Development (GED) Certification.  While Ilene earned her GED she actually held a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in life!

In 1972, Ilene's listening and problem solving skills were recognized when she was elected to the position of Business Agent of Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers Union (Local 170) and Trade Manager with the Philadelphia Joint Board.  She served in these positions for 25 years until she retired in 1997.  Ilene was involved in many organizations in the labor movement and active in organizing educational activities: (a) Founding and executive Board Member of the Philadelphia Coalition of Labor Union Women CLUW Chapter ; (b) Member of the Urban League , Negro Trade Union Leadership Council ; (c) Member of the A. Phillip Randolph Institute ; (d) Member of the Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO Women's Council ; and (e) Member of Eastern Star in Bridgeton, NJ.  Ilene was instrumental in leading demonstrations in Washington, D.C. for voting rights and campaigning for Martin Luther King's birthday as a National holiday.  Ilene received numerous honors and awards including the Outstanding Labor and Achievement Award.

Ilene was preceded in death by her husband William Henry Mason; two   grandchildren Robert L. Mason and Nielsa L. Mason; and two sisters Bertha May Harper and Carolyn Brown.

She leaves to mourn her children Daniel Mason (Katheryn Mason); Patricia Allen, Nancy Mason Moore; Gale L. Mason (Louvenia Bean-Mason); and  Carolyn Jackson (Jesse Jackson).  Ilene will truly be missed by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousin Martin Cuff, nieces, nephews, and a host of close friends and relatives.