Clara "Brownie" Masten

1928-2008

Clara "Brownie" Masten, age 79 of Lompoc, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2008 in Solvang. She was born December 19, 1928 in San Francisco, CA to Frederick and Clara Weeks. She grew up in Palo Alto, and moved to New Jersey at age 12. After graduating from Kendall Hall in Peterborough, New Hampshire, she attended junior college. She eventually made her way back to California and lived in Sonoma with her husband, Charles Masten for over 40 years. She moved to Lompoc in 2002 to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Clara was a lifelong educator. As a young woman she worked as a nursery school teacher. She also volunteered in her children's classes and was a tutor later in life. Her career centered around her work as a teacher's aide in the special education field, which she enjoyed for over 15 years.

Clara's life revolved around her membership in Beta Sigma Phi. She cherished all the friends she made and always looked forward to joining in activities. She held many chapter and regional offices in the 50+ years she belonged to the sorority, and made countless life-long friends.

Clara was always active in the community, serving as a 4-H leader in Sonoma for several years. She was a docent with the Bouverie Preserve and sung with the Sonoma Valley Chorale. She loved all types of music, enjoyed playing the piano, and collecting Native American artifacts. She was active in the Lompoc Valley Republican Women's Club. Most of all, she loved spending time at Salmon Lake with her family and was devoted to her children and grandchildren.

Clara had friends wherever she went and was a real "people person." She had a special place in her heart for children. Clara was a patient, gentle, caring person who will truly be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

Survivors include her sister Frances Burns of Fort Collins, CO, daughter Pamela Masten of San Francisco, CA, daughter and son-in-law Jane and Peter Hedges of Lompoc, grandchildren Jamie and Chrissy Hedges, also of Lompoc, niece Patricia Wright of Morganton, NC and nephew James Little of Sacramento, CA. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Charles Franklin Masten in 2003.

In honor of her request, no services will be held. Memorial contributions in Clara's name may be made to NCC Educational Awards c/o Jo-Anne Young, 5490 Happy Pines Drive, Foresthill, CA 95631. NCC Educational Awards is a Beta Sigma Phi scholarship program.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary.