It is with deep sadness and sorrow we share the news that our mom, Mabel Mary Mathews (Leelamma) passed away on January 9, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Mabel will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 46 years David (Joycechan) and their children Shari (Michael), Sandra (Paul), and Joyce (Derek). Mabel was a devoted and beloved Amma, her legacy will live on with her beloved grandchildren Aaron, Vaughn, Alexia, Keirthana, Jovan, Darius, and Evander. Mabel was predeceased by her youngest child, Justin, and her parents (Ann and Andrew). Mabel is survived by her siblings, Omana and Prince, who reside in Paravur, India.
Mabel was born in Kochi, India and was the eldest of three children. She attended Sree Sankara College in Kalady. Mabel completed her medical degree at Trivandrum Medical College, where she graduated at the top of her class. In July 1974, David and Mabel were married in Vettiyar, India. Mabel continued to practice in India as a General Practitioner before she immigrated to Canada in October 1975 to join David.
The couple resided in Manning, Alberta for almost two decades and raised their four children surrounded by a tight-knit Christian community and made many lifelong friends. Mabel embraced motherhood in Canada, she taught Sunday School, was actively involved with each child’s academia, and was a dedicated member of the Parent-Teacher Association. Mabel was fearless as she learned how to downhill ski. Her homemaking talents included sewing clothing for the children, quilting, and crocheting. With the guidance of her friends, Mabel learned how to preserve foods that she grew from her garden, bake bread, and became an expert at making her own delicious versions of Canadian cuisine.
In August 1994, the family moved to Hay River, Northwest Territories, as David took on a new job as the CEO of the local hospital. The family had many great adventures; spending time fishing together on their boat and skidooing in the winter. Mabel’s love of flowers and gardening continued in Hay River, and with her green thumbs she could grow anything.
Moving to Edmonton in 1998, David & Mabel embarked on a new adventure as entrepreneurs and successfully ran two dollar stores for over a decade. Upon retirement, Mabel enjoyed being surrounded by her grandchildren and spent hours baking, cooking, crafting, and playing games with them. All the grandchildren loved sleepovers at Amma and Appa’s house. In her spare time Mabel was an avid hockey fan, loved watching Family Feud, American Idol and Mr. Bean, and enjoyed playing cards with friends and family.
Even with four young children, Mabel and David often took trips back to India to visit their family. The couple travelled to India numerous times with their children, Disneyland and various parts of the States. When their children were grown, Mabel and David had the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land, Singapore, Dubai, Kuwait, Mexico, Dominican Republic, and Hawaii.
Mabel will always be remembered for her beautiful spirit, generosity, kindness, independence, loving nature, magnetic smile, and love of Christ. She was a devoted wife, mother, sibling, and grandmother (Amma). Mabel will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts until we are reunited again in heaven.
Due to Covid 19 restrictions, the funeral will be limited to immediate family only. Friends and family who wish to join by virtual attendance may view the livestream on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 1:00 pm by visiting distantlink.com/SerenityES.html.
Serenity Funeral Service – South Edmonton, (780)450-0101
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of MATHEWS Mabel Mary January 9 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta