MABEL SHELBY SMITH

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MABEL SHELBY SMITH

November 14, 1925 - February 5, 2025

With deep sadness but profound gratitude for our wonderful memories of our mother, the family of Mabel Smith announces her passing on February 5, 2025.

Mabel was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gordon J. Smith, who passed away October 3, 1999. She is survived by her four children, Shelby (Gerald Flood), Gordon, Kenneth (Joanne) and Pamela (the late Ian Rutherford). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Megan, Heather, Erica, Gail, Adam, Kevin and Robin, as well as six great-grandchildren.

Mabel was born November 14, 1925 in Langenburg, SK, to parents Edward and Frances (nee Buchberger) Severin. Mabel completed her schooling in Langenburg and enrolled in St. Boniface General Hospital School of Nursing. While she was a student she met the love of her life, Gordon, who was a medical intern there at the time. After her graduation they married in 1948 and after Gordon completed his training the pair moved to Gladstone, MB, where Gordon started his medical practice. They both became very invested in the life of the community and made many wonderful, life-long friends. The fact that all four of their children were born in those years added to the creation of very happy memories.

In 1963, Gordon decided to enter a residency in psychiatry so the family moved to Selkirk, MB, for a year and then to Winnipeg where Gordon completed his residency, eventually becoming chief of psychiatry at the Victoria General Hospital.

To be close to his work the family moved to a house in Fort Richmond where Mabel used her love, good taste and creativity to make the home in which her family was so happy.

A very important part of our family life for 50 years was summers spent together at Fox Lake, ON. Although that very old, large log cabin was always in need of repair, the work was a labour of love for Mabel, Gordon and the whole family.

Mabel was first and foremost a devoted wife and mother and the central hub of her family’s life. The home she created was always a place people wanted to be, whether for a family holiday dinner or any old day of the week. She was very intelligent and interested in people, which helped make her the excellent listener she always was. She could give thoughtful advice while never making the recipient feel judged. Her grandchildren have always said they "could tell her anything".

Mabel was a very caring person whose concern extended to the community and world at large. To the end of her life she stayed engaged and knowledgeable about Canadian and world affairs and her good sense and compassionate nature always put her on the right side of the issues. She enjoyed political discussion and even in her last years would debate ideas.

Mabel was not strongly religious but had a spiritual sensibility that started early and grew over time, fed by her curiosity and open-mindedness.

Mabel loved her children, their spouses and grandchildren and great-grandchildren unreservedly and was always proud and supportive of them.

The family would like to acknowledge the excellent care our mother received at Riverview Palliative Care unit by everyone who looked after her in her last few days.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will held in the spring at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome donations to the Victoria Hospital Foundation Dr. Gordon J. Smith Endowment Fund.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 22, 2025