Today, we honor the remarkable life of Carrie Mason-Draffen, my neighbor a former Newsday business writer and columnist. We lost a champion who dedicated 35 years to informing and empowering employees and employers about workplace rights. Our condolences to her family and colleagues.  

Carrie retired in 2019, leaving a remarkable legacy on Newsday’s business desk. She was not only a talented writer but also a beloved figure among her colleagues. Fondly referred to as “otra mamá” or “another mother,” she created a sense of family within the newsroom. Her Thanksgiving dinners at her Freeport home brought warmth and laughter. Additionally, Carrie established an office-wide Spanish club where journalists could converse in their native or adoptive languages while enjoying her famous flan and cinnamon rolls.

Carrie’s unique personality encompassed compassion, assertiveness, and a great sense of humor. She expressed outrage when needed and delighted in preparing gourmet dishes that rivaled those of professional chefs. At the same time, she savored the simplicity of a down-home meal from Gates BBQ in Kansas City.