Mason Antony DelGrande

Mason, an Albuquerque native, was born on June 24, 1990 to Mark and Angela DelGrande. Although he was born with cerebral palsy that left him severely disabled, Mason was determined to live a full life, bringing joy to the hearts of all he met. A military brat and the eldest son, Mason traveled the country with his family seeing new places, meeting new people, and sharing his beautiful, infectious smile everywhere he went. His presence brought out the best in everyone who knew him, creating the warmth that compassion and empathy can bring to the soul. He settled back in Albuquerque with his family in 2002 and graduated from Eldorado High School. He remained at home with his parents with the assistance of a number of tremendous home care providers, medical providers, and case managers, with special thanks to Dungarvin New Mexico. For the last ten years our family was blessed to have the support of Dodie Wilson, Mason’s homecare provider, steadfast advocate, and loving champion. Dodie helped Mason to experience and enjoy the world around him and is forever part of the DelGrande family.

Mason found joy in life’s simple wonders—the twinkling of bells, the songs of birds, the kindness of smiles, and the sweetness of banana cream pie. He loved being surrounded by family, classmates, and friends, and he listened deeply to the world around him. Though his body had limits, his spirit traveled everywhere with ease. We take comfort in knowing that Mason now rests gently in God’s embrace, whole, radiant, and free in ways this world never quite allowed for him. We will all dearly miss Mason’s shining smile and joyous giggles. Mason is survived by his parents, his brothers Joe and Sergio, sister Ariacella, aunt Pat Boegle (Chris), uncle Gino Moraga (Andi), great Aunt Helen Carmody, and his step-aunts Kathy Wood (Larry), Dianne Reynolds, and Mary Lou Shlaudeman (Bob). He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary and Tony Moraga, Joe and Ruth DelGrande, and Cleta Mae Wade.

A Celebration of Mason’s Life will be held at 1pm Saturday, September 19th, at Daniels Family Funeral Services followed by light refreshments, 7601 Wyoming Boulevard NE. We encourage those attending to wear bright or vibrant colors. In lieu of flowers, please offer a donation in Mason’s name to your favorite organization assisting people with disabilities.