VIOLET LANE (CABEL)

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VIOLET LANE
(CABEL)
1928 - 2021

On Tuesday, February 23, 2021, our loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Violet Lane, passed away peacefully at the age of 92, at the Golden West Centennial Lodge Personal Care Home.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 70 years, Robert (Bob), and children, Sandra (Russ), Cathy (Ken), Rob (Joyce) and Janice (Steve). Also mourning her loss and missing her greatly are her grandchildren, Kristin, Richard (Kelsey), Adam (Vanessa), Lauren (Roddy), Jennifer (Ben), Kevin, Alexander, and her cherished great-grandchildren, Alanna, Leah, Jagger, Lennon, Elias, Arya and Brooke. She also has three nephews in the U.S.A., Pat, Kevin, Bruce and their families, that have very fond memories of their Auntie Vi. Violet was predeceased by her older sister Louisa and her granddaughter Elizabeth.
Violet was born in Winnipeg on April 29, 1928. She was the daughter of Mary (Patterson) and Alexander Cabel. She was always very proud of her Irish (Belfast) and Scottish (Aberdeen) heritage and was able to travel to both countries to meet her extended family. Vi grew up on Beresford Avenue in the Fort Rouge neighbourhood. She attended Lord Roberts and Kelvin High School and her family were active members of St. Albans Anglican Church. Mom was always an excellent student and graduated at the top of her class. She dreamed about attending university but in those days, money was very tight, so she began her working career at Great West Life. Following her marriage to Bob in 1950, they moved to Medicine Hat, AB, where she was able to use her academic and creative skills as a Copy Editor and wrote commercials for a local radio station. Following a short time in Saskatoon and with Sandra in tow, they returned to Winnipeg in 1953. Vi and Bob lived in several homes but spent the majority of their married life on Golden Gate Bay and Overdale Street. They were always active members of the St. James community.
Over the years, Vi excelled as a seamstress and home decorator. She took great pride in making sure her children were properly outfitted for all special occasions, including all of their weddings. She strived to create a home that was worthy of a photo shoot in one of her favourite decorating magazines. Vi herself was a very stylish lady and was always dressed in the most current fashion. She never left the house without looking her best and shopping for SALES was one of her favourite pastimes.
Vi was a lover of children and canines. Her children were her priority and she provided a loving home where they could thrive. She was a strong woman with a big heart and wanted the best for everyone; always ready to help problem solve or just listen. She was our ever-present "Rock" and we have made our way in this world due to her unwavering love and devotion to us all. Her love of dogs spanned 60 years and she was rarely without a special pooch by her side.
Vi was a collector of knowledge and a voracious reader. She read the daily newspaper from back to front, had numerous magazine subscriptions and belonged to several book clubs throughout the years. Nothing could get in the way of her completing the daily crossword in the newspaper, well into her 80s and her mind stayed sharp right up until the end. She was always willing to help out with a school project, study for a test or edit a school paper. She was our "go to" whenever we needed to spell or define a difficult word.
Vi had a very strong faith from an early age. She was a devoted and active member of St. Andrew's Anglican Church, in Woodhaven, for over 60 years; she sat in the same pew every Sunday all those years! She was very active in the Ladies Altar Guild and held many leadership roles. She was able to utilize her wonderful sewing and flower arranging skills to keep the church looking fresh and beautiful. Being part of her church community always gave her a sense of tranquility and peace.
As Bob became more active in the Khartum Shriners organization, Vi joined The Daughter's of the Nile. They enjoyed many years travelling to events, meeting new people and engaging in community service. Vi was also a member of the Women's Canadian Club and gave of her time to volunteer during many Provincial and Federal elections. She often assisted Bob with the family business.
Vi and Bob were able to travel over the years throughout Canada and a few warmer climates but her favourite summer destination for over 40 years, was the family cottage at Victoria Beach. She immediately put her sewing and decorating skills to work and completely transformed the interior of the cottage into a comfy but stylish family gathering place. Vi was a formidable force with a paintbrush, both in her home and at the cottage! Every summer, her family would be transplanted to Victoria Beach as soon as school was out in June, until they reluctantly returned in September. Vi rarely put her feet in the lake, with the exception of really hot days but she was a champion sunbather and remained perfectly coiffed. The beach brought her relaxation and joy and was the special gathering place for her family; especially for those that lived far away.
Vi's life changed dramatically five years ago following a devastating stroke, which left her unable to return to her home. Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of the staff at Golden West Centennial Lodge for the wonderful care they provided during her lengthy stay; especially the amazing staff on the 3rd floor, who became part of our extended family. Your kindness and compassionate care will never be forgotten. Although she suffered greatly with the isolation and loneliness brought on by COVID restrictions, the staff did their very best to keep her safe and connected with her family.
As we say our tearful goodbyes, we remember you for your kindness, your terrific sense of humour, your love and devotion to your husband and children and your overwhelming love for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We are so thankful that your many years of suffering are over and you are finally at peace. We will be forever protected and cared for by your beautiful Soul.
Grandma: I see a woman who represents what our family is, where we came from and how strong we are. I am proud that you are my grandma!
Cremation has taken place and a family interment will be held as soon as travel restrictions are lifted.
Donations in her name may be made to Golden West Centennial Lodge, 811 School Rd., Winnipeg, MB R2Y 0S8 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 06, 2021