GOOCH, Mabel Agnes 1923 – 2013

It is with sad hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother in her 90th year, at her home in the Vulcan Hospital, Vulcan Long Term Care Unit, on August 24, 2013.

Mom was born Feb.25, 1923 at Redcliff, AB and raised in the Queenstown district, where she also attended Willard School.

Mabel was one of eight children born to Samson and Alma Hellevang, Norwegians who came to Canada from the United States. Her parents were farmers and also owned a “Well Boring” outfit which was powered by one horse and by traveling near and far to drill wells. Her mother Alma also made and sold butter which helped to make ends meet.

Mom and dad belonged to the Buffalo Hills Camper Club where they enjoyed card parties, socializing and making new friends. Mabel was a member of the Eastway Ladies Social Club and the Order of the Royal Purple.

Mom loved gardening and canning produce. She was also a great baker, 14 loaves of bread at a time. She also crocheted afghans for all of her family. I think mom crocheted a dish cloth for everyone who came for a visit. She also sold Avon for many years.

Mom and dad enjoyed attending many rodeos throughout Canada and the States. They loved wintering in Mesa, Arizona for 17 years.

Mom lived for her family, friends and family gatherings. She was so happy living at her last residence at the Vulcan Community Health Centre. She loved all the outings and various activities with all of her friends and the staff and she thought of everyone there as her extended family as they treated her so well.

Mom will be forever missed by her son Dennis and Darlene Gooch and their children Troy with special friend Amy and their children Chaz, Dustin and Skylie, Cindy (Rick) Goldhawk and their children Camryn and Cale and Sherri (David) Ng and their children Rylan and Cohen; daughter Sheryl Gooch and her daughter Connie and family, daughter Charlotte Nelson and her children Brady (Jan), their children Reese and Brek Nelson, Brooke Nelson-Sabourin (Joe), and their children Kenny and Jack.

Mabel was predeceased by her beloved husband George in 1999 and her son-in-law Ken Nelson in 2007.

Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, August 29, 2013  at 1:30 pm at the Vulcan United Church, with Sue MacDonald, D.M. officiating. Honorary Bearers are Phyllis Hunter, Margaret Richardson,Vic &  Gladys Fulton, Laura Houlton Dann, Lynda Cowling, Helen McMullen, Joan Nelson, and Blanche Malcolm.

Inurnment will take place at a later date.

Tributes in Mabel’s memory can be made to the Vulcan Community Health Centre Ladies Auxiliary (Long Term Care),  Box 299, Vulcan, AB  T0L 2B0.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home.  Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.