Elena E. Masson's Obituary
Elena Masson
January 10, 1930 – July 24, 2025
Elena Masson, lovingly known as Ñaña to some and Lala to others, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the age of 95. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, on January 10, 1930, Elena emigrated to New York City in the early 1950s with a fierce determination to build a better life. With remarkable strength and resolve, she made her way in one of the world’s largest cities—working tirelessly, from odd jobs to publishing—and eventually brought her beloved son to join her in the United States.
From those humble beginnings, Elena became the cornerstone of a family that would span four generations—an anchor whose love and laughter wove through decades of memories, milestones, and shared meals. Her only son, William Masson, a Columbia University graduate and retired global executive, credits his success to her steadfast sacrifice and support. Together, they built a life full of purpose and adventure, with Elena living alongside William and Nelly’s family in New York, Memphis, Miami, Buenos Aires, Boca Raton, San Francisco, and ultimately, Lakeland, Florida.
Elena’s grandchildren—Pamela Hardigan, William Masson Jr., and John-Paul Masson—knew her not just as a grandmother but as a second mother. She lived through every school play, tournament, and achievement, always there with a warm plate of rice and eggs, a whispered joke, or a lovingly snuck piece of candy. To her great-grandchildren, she was a constant source of love from the very beginning—living with and nurturing many of them, and surrounded by their presence in her final moments.
Known for her humor, warmth, and occasional mischief, Ñaña’s stories were legendary. She spoke often of Ecuador and her early years, instilling her love of music, culture, and food in her family. She remembered a New York of glamorous outfits with fine hats and elbow-length gloves, $5 steak dinners, and the bustle of Times Square in the 1950s.
Elena’s devotion to her family was rivaled only by her quiet but steady faith. A devout Catholic, she prayed the rosary nightly and lived her life guided by love, tradition, and unshakable belief. Her faith was the steady compass behind every act of care and every life she helped shape.
She is survived by her son William Masson and his wife Nelly; her sister Victoria Masson and brother Mario Masson; her grandchildren Pamela, William Jr., and John-Paul; and seven great-grandchildren whose lives were touched by her enduring grace.
A visitation will be held Monday, July 28th, from 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 210 W. Lemon St, Lakeland, FL 33815. Funeral Mass will follow at 3 PM at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations in Elena’s memory to Catholic Charities of St. Petersburg, an organization aligned with her lifelong values of service, family, and faith.
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