Justina A. Masters

Justina A. “Tina” Masters, 91, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Thursday, June 24, 2021, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf.

Services to celebrate Tina’s life will be announced in the near future. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Private burial is in Rock Island National Cemetery.

The former Justina Ann Howansky was born on February 10, 1930 in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Tina was a highest honors student all throughout her elementary, middle and high school years, even skipping the third grade. She graduated with high honors from Lincoln High School in Jersey City in 1947. During her school years, Tina loved to attend films, visit area libraries, listen to dramatic and mystery radio programs and was active in numerous school clubs.

Throughout the years, Tina was a devout book reader, often reading three books a week. Amongst her most admired book authors were Agatha Christie, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Anne Perry and Danielle Steele. Additionally, Tina loved to cross stitch (producing many dozens of wonderful and beautiful pieces), enjoyed cross word puzzles and jigsaw table size puzzles, while also attending book discussion meetings, films, musical and theatrical events and swimming.

Happily married to Robert Joseph Masters in 1951, Tina lived and worked in New Jersey, Illinois and Iowa. Upon retirement from Radiology Group in Davenport, Iowa, Tina resided in Oregon and Iowa. In addition to her important role as a mother, Tina also worked full-time positions for nearly forty years.

Tina and Bob Masters had five children, Robert, Michael, Richard, Linda and Christine. Tina took joy and pride in raising her children and later visiting them at their homes around the country as grown adults.

Tina Masters is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Robert (Marilyn) Masters, sons, Michael Thomas Masters and Richard Masters, daughter, Linda Masters, daughter and son-in-law, Chris (Tony) Podlashes, grandsons, Steven Masters (Tamara Ko) and Ryan Podlashes, granddaughters, Meredith Masters and Emily Podlashes, sister and brother-in-law, Sandy and Ron Zaluska, canine granddaughter, Sophie Rose and turtle grandson, Squirt. Tina was preceded in death by her husband of sixty five years, Robert J. Masters, parents, Michael and Antoinette Howansky (stepmother), Anna Howansky (birth mother) and her younger sister, Elaine Howansky Ray.

Tina was loved and admired for her warm and joyous personality, loyalty, helpfulness and immense kindness to her family and friends. Tina/mom will be greatly missed and will always live in our hearts.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.