EMMA GABEL

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EMMA GABEL (nee MAURISCHAT) August 6, 1912 - July 10, 2016 Peacefully, in the early morning of July 10, 2016, Emma passed away at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg at the age of 103. Emma will be sadly missed by her daughter Dorothy McKay; grandchildren Lois (Wes), Reg (Deb), and Blaine (Cara); great-grandchildren Jason, Shena, Bree, Tyler (Amanda), Kelsey, Hailey; and great-great-grandson, James. Emma will also be dearly missed by surviving sister Lily Weston, as well as by many nieces and nephews, family and friends. Emma was predeceased by her husband Karl (Charley') Gabel; son Wesley Gabel and son-in-law Dennis McKay; parents Anna (nee Puchter) and John Maurischat; brothers Emil and Paul; sisters Anna (Anne'), Elma and Mina (Minnie'). Emma was born to homesteaders Anna and John Maurischat on August 6, 1912, in a log house in Camper, MB. Here she was raised up in a strict and loving family, with two brothers and four sisters, on the family farm. Emma attended one-room Woolsery School, passing Grade 9 with excellence in spelling and the most beautiful handwriting skills. Being the oldest at home, she was her father's farmhand with many responsibilities. Emma was 17 when her father passed away in 1929. On March 18, 1931 Emma married Charley Gabel; soon came son Wesley Clark (August 22, 1932) and daughter Dorothy Janice (December 23, 1935). They farmed and raised their family in Camper for 26 years, eventually building a home on Ross Avenue in Winnipeg. Emma worked at Eatons for 25 years as a sales clerk in both the ladies department and the jewelry counter, retiring in 1982. Emma and Charley loved the Manitoba summers and enjoyed many years of sport fishing, by boat and with camper, and ice fishing throughout its lakes and rivers; they also enjoyed cross-country skiing. After suffering with Alzheimer's for some years, sadly, Charley passed away on July 19, 1982. Emma had a lot of great memories: her many trips to Hawaii with Lil; life at her cottage at Island Beach where she enjoyed gardening and swimming; but especially outings to Wal-Mart (their great Eatons') with Dorothy and Lil where they would shop for an hour or so, go to McDonald's for a burger and coffee, and exercise their tongues' for a while. Emma's great joys were food (she loved to bake and did so well), family and get-togethers. She always had the biggest smiles and hugs for great-great-grandson James. Emma would pass the time at home competing (over the phone) in newspaper word games with Lil, and knitting colourful dish cloths. Emma never ceased in teaching and expounding family values and, despite frustration with health issues, she always ate well (never missed dessert!), and exercised daily. Direct, strong and joyful in spirit with a sharp mind and gentle, witty sense of humour, Emma was a trooper who would say "I can't complain", even when life was at its most difficult. Emma's "interest in life and in the here-after" got her "studying the Bible seriously", dedicating her life to serve God, and thanking "God every day for His loving care". Emma looked forward to the day when her afflictions "will be a thing of the past and all be made new". We appreciate and thank all who have provided loving and compassionate care to Emma. A private memorial service has been held by the family.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 16, 2016