MABEL HOLMES

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MABEL HOLMES Mabel Holmes of Neepawa, MB passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 9, 2004 at the age of 91 years. Mabel is survived by her daughter Beverly and son-in-law Marvyn Grant; and grandsons, Gordon (Jennifer) Grant and their children, Jordan and Mackenzie, David Grant and Carol Wilson and her children, Jordon and Paige. She is also survived by her sister Muriel Burnett, sister-in-law Florence Baroni and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. Her daughter Beverly was the light of her life. Their relationship would be envied by many. She was so proud of her grandsons, Gordon and David; and great-granddaughter Mackenzie, "the apple of her eye". She was predeceased by her beloved husband Gordon Holmes in 1979; her parents, Jack and Verna Biles; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Bernice and Jon Olson, Phyllis and Gerald Parrott, Ruby and Peter Naaykens; and brother-in-law Don Burnett. Born in Dauphin, MB on April 23, 1913, Mabel spent her childhood in Dauphin and Neepawa. The oldest of five girls, she often was at her dads side helping with the daily chores and looking after her younger sisters. This caring part of Mabel gave her the desire to pursue nursing. She attended St. Boniface Hospital in 1934 and became a registered nurse in 1937. Her nursing career took her to Boston, MA and New Haven, CT. She returned to Canada and married her childhood sweetheart Gordon Holmes on July 14, 1940. Her nursing career continued in Sherridan, MB, Neepawa and Winnipeg where she was a leader in her profession. Gordons work took them to British Columbia and they settled in Burnaby. They spent many wonderful years camping and enjoying the mountains and ocean until Gordons illness in 1973 forced them to return to Neepawa. For many years after her retirement she continued to have a keen interest in the medical field and kept up to date with the changes that were occurring. The world changed immensely during Mabels life. She grasped the changes with enthusiasm and was able to adapt and understand the changing ways of the world. She was very open minded and was also very spiritual. She missed her dear Gordon always and is now at rest with him. Mabel was on her own for many years. She was the matriarch of the family, a place we all considered "Central Command". She always had a genuine interest in everyones life and was the centre of the family circle. She listened intently, cared immensely and was always quite open with her opinion and advice. Her extended family was very important to her. She will be missed by all. Rest in peace Mabel. You earned it. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 14 at 1:00 p.m. at Whites Funeral Chapel, Neepawa. Interment to follow at Riverside Cemetery. Friends who so desire may make a donation in Mabels memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 200-6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R2L 0K6. Whites Funeral Chapel, Neepawa in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2004