Mabel McDonald
Passed on: May 2nd, 2008
Aug. 14, 1916-May 2, 2008 Glace Bay It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother, Mabel M. McDonald who died at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, May 2, 2008, with her family at her side. Born in Broad Cove, West Nfld., in 1916, she was the daughter of the late James Kenneth and Mary Grace (Budden) Francis. She came to Cape Breton at an early age, grew up in Glace Bay and remained here all her life. She lived at 40 Ling St., for the last 58 years. Mabel was predeceased by her husband, Hugh Angus in 1966, sisters, Blanch, Shirley, Lil, Betty, Clemantine, Rita, Gladas, Violet and one brother, Dolland. She is survived by her sons, Hugh (Georgette), Coldbrook, Robert (Joyce), Winnipeg, Donald, Deep River, Charles, David, Winston (Arlene) and Jackie (Cathy), all of Glace Bay; daughters, Bessie (Ron), Sudbury, Marilyn (Mike) and Barbara (Willie), both of Glace Bay; one sister, Claras Dean, Glace Bay. Also surviving are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mabel celebrated a five generation family occasion in August 2006. She was a member of Knox United Church and was a very loving and caring person who always put others before herself. She learned to cook and bake at an early age; as she went to work at age 12 to help maintain the family home in Glace Bay. She loved singing hymns and sang in a choir in her early years, she always kept in touch with the church. In her later years, she enjoyed sitting in her favourite chair embroidering lace with needle and thread on tablecloths and pillowcases to give to her family and friends as gifts. Her hearty laugh would liven up any room. When she was widowed in 1966, she went out into the community to work and provide for her family, her philosophy was, “Don’t sit still, keep going, never give up.” She was so proud of her Newfoundland heritage, which made her so strong to face her struggles and challenges. Her favourite pastime was sitting down with her family and friends enjoying a cup of Rita’s tea — as we will continue to do this we will remember her. There will be no visitation, a memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Patten Funeral Home and Chapel, 71 Union St., Glace Bay, 849-7520. Online condolences may be sent to patten@seaside.ns.ca. She met all her life's challenges and struggles. With courage and strength. She always did her very best Now God has taken her To her well deserved rest.
