Mabel Inez (Gilbertson) Cordell, June 1, 1924 - July 15, 2021
June 1, 1924 - July 15, 2021
CORDELL - Mabel passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Oyen Long Term Care facility at the age of 97.
Mabel was born to Charlie and Sarah Gilbertson in 1924 and raised mainly in Oyen. She had nine siblings, four brothers and five sisters. She married George Cordell at the age of 18, and they raised five children; Trevor, Sheila, Dwight, Cyril and Rosemary, on a farm four miles west of Oyen.
After all the kids married, they moved into a house in town in the summer of 1972, and George passed away two years later. Mabel lived in that house until she moved to the Oyen Lodge in 2008 and eventually Oyen LTC in 2018.
Mabel was the most kind, caring, and generous soul you could have ever known. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and with her whole heart. She lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed every minute; even after she suffered a stroke, she always had a positive attitude and tried to find the good in something every day.
Mabel’s many hobbies included baking, canning, quilting, sewing, playing piano or organ and reading. She attended numerous Farmer’s Markets with her homemade goods and was happy to take orders from a few local patrons! She taught her dear friend, Leonard Durand, how to quilt and together, they made a total of 837 quilts over 19 years! She loved to travel and spend time with family and friends as much as she could. She was an avid soap opera watcher of the Young & Restless and the Bold & Beautiful for many years and enjoyed lots of laughs from her favourite Mr. Bean movies.
Mabel was also a loyal member of the United Church for many years. The latest joy of her life was a puppy that Rosie bought for her, a tiny little white Maltese/ShihTzu she named Peggy-Sue. Peggy brought her so much joy when she was able to see her, and she loved her so much! She was more than happy to let Peggy lick her face as much as she wanted and thoroughly enjoyed it! Never needed a washcloth after dinner when Peggy was there!
Mabel was predeceased by her husband George, parents; Charlie and Sarah, siblings; Clarence, Ruby, Maurice, Luella, Elsie, Ruth, Jim and Doris, dear friend Leonard Durand as well as numerous brother and sister in-laws.
Forever cherished and lovingly remembered by her children; Trevor Cordell (Pam Gray), Sheila Seitz, Dwight (Fran) Cordell, Cyril Cordell (Sherrie Atherton), Rosemary (Norman) Wildman, 16 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and her dedicated and loving caregivers; Donna Hogan and Sharol McSwain.
The family of Mabel would like to thank the Drs, nursing staff and Rec Therapy girls at Oyen Hospital (Acute and LTC) for the wonderful care she received while living there. You are all greatly appreciated! Paint days and biking days were her favourites, and we were all so amazed at what she could accomplish by using just her left hand!
Funeral Service was held on Saturday, July 24, 2021, at the Royal Canadian Legion in Oyen, Ab.
Memorial donations can be directed to:
Oyen and District Health Care Foundation Box 150 Oyen Ab T0J 2J0 or the Oyen United Church Box 392 Oyen Ab T0J 2J0
Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, Ab.