MABEL BISHOP (RADBOURNE)

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MABEL BISHOP (nee RADBOURNE) Mabel Bishop passed away peacefully on March 23, 2013 at the Calvary Place Personal Care Home after a long battle with diabetes. She is survived by her six children, Brian (Pat), Carol (Bob), Sandy (Len), Lyle (April), Debbie (Paul), Kirby (Angie), 11 grandchildren, Dennis (Bill), Donna (Junel), David (Val), Shawn (Lilu), Cindy (Anthony), Terryl (Dave), Amber, Carla (Arnold), Katherine (Josh), Preston, Brendan, 14 great-grandchildren, Robin (24), Kayla (21), Mathew (20), Jordyn (19), Kegan (16), Emily (13), McKenzie (11), Shane (10), Samantha (10), Colin (six), Aeriannah (four), Leona (one), Jake (one), Tyanee (one month), sister Emily Radbourne (96), several nieces, great-nieces, nephews, great-nephews and cousins. Mabel was predeceased by her beloved Andrew (Andy) of 67 years, her parents William and Eva Louise Radbourne, brothers William, James, David, Ronald, Charles, and sisters Nelly and Mary. Mabel was born on July 7, 1928 in Dora Cottages, Greatham, Pulborough, Sussex, England where she grew up, went to school and was awarded a penmanship honour. When the Second World War began there was no more school however this is when the adventure began. Under an apple tree, she met the love of her life, a Canadian soldier named Andy. They wed and had a son (Brian) and in 1946 after the war was over made the decision to leave her family and follow her love to Canada. Andy went ahead to Canada with the army, and Mabel and Brian (three) followed on a boat to Halifax, Nova Scotia and then a bus to Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mabel worked tirelessly raising six children and working for Simpson Sears for 25 plus years. She enjoyed knitting, cooking, puzzles and "treats" for her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Whether it was cabbage rolls, spaghetti, cheesecake, cookies or the "special" treat drawer in the fridge you always knew you could count on Nana to have the food mom and dad wouldn't let you have. Mabel and Andy spent many years camping with the kids and eventually ended up at Hillside Beach Trailer Park where they were one of the founding families when it became Co-operative in 1974. They had many fun filled days in the sun and nights by the fire with many of their family and friends. Travelling was always a passion for Mabel and Andy adventuring from England to Hawaii and most recently Palm Springs. The family would like to thank all the many wonderful, caring staff at Calvary Place Personal Care Home. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Weep not over the empty shell; it has lived its life quite well. The time has come for my spirit to go, residing in this body no more. Tears and gloom let there be none, my journey home has just begun. So friends and loved ones weep not for me, my soul has been set free. So rejoice with me one and all, for I go in answer to the Master's call.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 06, 2013