Mabel Louise Joseph
Born In: Whitney Pier
Born: October 20th, 1922
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: April 1st, 2016
On Friday, April 1, 2016, at her home on Townsend Street, where she and her loving husband David 'Dates' Joseph raised their 14 children, Mabel Louise passed away the way she lived with grace and dignity surrounded by those she loved. She was a wonderful, caring mother whose devotion to her children will continue on as a legacy to her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The beautiful, gentle, red headed matriarch of the Joseph family was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.
Mabel was born in Whitney Pier on Oct. 20, 1922. She was the daughter of the late Thomas and Beatrice (Hiscock) Heffernan. Mabel was a member of St. Marguerite Bourgeoys parish, (formerly St. Joseph’s).
Mabel is survived by her sons, David (Christena), Cambridge Ont., Blair (Wendy), Bobby (Bernadette), Glen (Diane), Stephen (Helen), all of Sydney and Fabian (Dianne), Woodstock, N.B. and daughters, Darlene (Gary) MacLean, Albert Bridge, Cheryl (Kenny Miller) Chisholm, Cindy (Bruce) Doucet, Valerie (Danny) MacInnis, all of Sydney and Pam (Carter) Chapdelaine, Bedford, N.S. and daughter-in-law, Mary (Wayne Gentile) Joseph, East Bay.
Nanny is also survived by her 30 adoring grandchildren, Bradley, Lynn, Colleen, Derek, Amy, Tami, Ryan, Stacy, Daryl, Deanna, Shane, Rebecca, Jesslyn, Jenna, Dylan, Kristin, Glenda, Melissa, Craig, Janine, Jason, Andrew, Brandon, Clinton, Nicole, Breagh, Rachael, Geordie, Michael and Katherine. Nanny Joseph was also the proud great- grandmother of Jennifer, Adam, Ben, Lily, Grace, Caden, Danica, Brody, Nate, Ty, Zoe, Mya, Josie, Lola, Drake, Rosie Mabel, Matthew, Roman, Vada, Allie, William, Isabella, Angus, Edward, Audrey, Cassie, Amelia, and Thomas. Her family will continue to grow with three more great-grandchildren on the way.
Mabel is also survived by her sisters, Theresa Jacobi and Madeline (Raymond) Bona; sister–in-law, Henrettia Sampson and her companion, George Curtis and many nieces and nephews.
Mabel was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years David 'Dates' Joseph and three sons, Bradley, Allan and Brandon; brothers, William, Richard, Thomas, Patrick, John, James, Michael and sisters, Phoebe Landry, Margaret MacNeil, Gertrude Hines, and Catherine Stapleton. She was also predeceased by grandson, David Nelson Joseph; daughter-in-law, Patsy Joseph; son-in-law, Mike Kravosky and sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Amelia Somers.
Mabel loved people!! She grew up in Whitney Pier in a family of 14 and went on to have 14 children of her own and they truly were her pride and joy. She was in her glory when her home known to all as “the house,” was full of family and friends, the teapot was on, the kibbie was cooking and everyone was sharing and making so many special memories. Mabel was the presence that kept her family connected no matter what their age or where they lived. Her children and their families have always been close and this love and respect for each other reflect the values that she and Dates taught and lived every day.
It was no surprise that it was at family gatherings that she shone. She always looked forward to the summer treks to the Crazy 8’s Resort in Marble Mountain where she enjoyed so many wonderful times. Games of scat and Newfoundland Bingo with “the girls” were always a highlight with bragging rights and a few nickels on the line. Another highlight of the year for Mabel was the Annual Christmas dinner at the Cedars Club. When the house on Townsend Street could no longer accommodate the crowd her family gathered at the club to celebrate Christmas and it was here that you could fully appreciate the role this amazing woman had in so many lives. Dinner always began with Mabel saying grace and the evening ended with all the kids wearing their new pajamas that Nanny was so happy to give them. She was so proud.
Sports, particularly hockey has always played an important role in the Joseph family and Mabel was a big fan. She did not get to see too many of her older sons play, she was extremely busy on the home front, but when her kids were grown, she did not miss an opportunity to get out and support her children and grandchildren in their many endeavours. She could be found at the rink watching hockey or at the gym cheering on the dancers, basketball players and cheerleaders. She was a big Screaming Eagles fan but did have some conflict when the Moncton Wildcats came to town and she had a son coaching behind each bench. To solve this dilemma Mabel reached a solution the only way a mother could she had a hat specially made with a Wildcat logo on one side, an Eagles logo on the other. Just this week she was there to watch her great-grandchildren playing hockey in the kitchen taking shots at the stove. The tradition lives on.
Mabel was a kind, gentle, woman. She raised her family with love and patience and none of her children can recall her ever raising her voice in anger. A simple reminder that Dad would deal with any issues when he got home was enough to make the horns disappear and the halos shine. All loved mom and she will be sadly missed. We are comforted by the fact she has joined her husband in Heaven and together they will continue to watch over us from above. God Bless.
Visitation for Mabel will take place on Tuesday, April 5 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. at T.W. Curry Parkview Chapel. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Church, 40 Cabot St. with Rev. Bill Burke officiating. Interment in Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
