Mabel Gladys Clay

Mable was born in the beautiful Haliburton Highlands of Northern Ontario, near West Guilford to Edward “Ted” Arthur and Harriet Margaret Helena “Lena” LaRue. The youngest girl in a family of nine she did not have a lot of material things, but had the love and appreciation of her childhood, siblings and parents. The family moved to Welland, Ontario where she went to high school and secretarial college. Her first job was a key punch operator at Atlas Steel. Her future was sealed when she met Ron, a young Air Force career officer. They married in 1954, lived overseas in France from 1955 to 1958, returning to Canada and were stationed at a number of bases across eastern Canada till 1968. Sadly, Ron passed away in Saskatoon in November 1969 at the age of 41. Mable and her family settled in Calgary to be closer to the extended family, Ron’s brothers in Calgary and his sister in D’arcy, Saskatchewan.

Mable’s focus was now for her young family; staying at home when the kids were younger and working as a receptionist and market researcher while they were in their teens. She was actively involved in the Anglican Church and the childrens’ activities in school, Girl Guides and Boy Scouts. Throughout this time, she continued to enjoy curling, participating in and watching numerous bonspiels. One of the many memories (Rules) is Mable telling us not to phone when curling, especially the Brier or Scotties Tournament of Hearts, were on TV. Mable was a passionate knitter producing sweaters, mitts, toques and blankets for the family and friends. You would always find African Violets gracing her house and pansies in the flower beds.

Fortunately for Mable, her family all lived in Calgary, which meant having the support of her children and she was able to watch her two beautiful granddaughters, Avery and Dayna grow up. Just after moving into a condo at Heritage Village, Mable was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She talked openly and frankly about chemotherapy, radiation and the importance of people knowing that cancer is treatable and that life goes on. She was a role model for someone facing an illness and stepping up to beat it. Her special dream during this time was to be well enough to attend her daughter’s wedding; to walk Jennifer down the aisle and give her away; which she did.

Following round one of breast cancer, Mable volunteered with the Cancer Society and stayed involved with the church. She was on the Vestry, Altar Guild, Prayer Group and Anglican Church Women (ACW) at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church. She travelled, visiting sisters in Saskatchewan, British Columbia, and the Maritimes and cruised to Alaska and the Panama Canal. Her positive attitude and confidence saw her beat rounds two and three of breast cancer.

In 2015 a further downsize was required. She moved into an assisted living suite at the Chartwell Harbours Retirement Home in NE Calgary. Here she maintained her independence, yet had support for meals, housekeeping and social activities. Her social calendar grew with a new set of friends, activities and winnings from the weekly 50/50 draw at the Friday Happy Hour. She continued to look forward to family activities and outings.

Mable passed away peacefully with family by her side following a six week stay at the Brentwood Care Centre in Calgary on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at the age of 91 years.

Mable will be missed by her children, David (Rose) Clay, Tim (Lana) Clay and Jennifer (John) Berwanger; and her grandchildren Avery (Mitch) Henry,

Dayna Clay (Tiana); all from Calgary. Mable was predeceased by her beloved husband Captain Ronald Clay, in 1969; her parents and parents-in-law, five sisters, three brothers, two sisters-in-law, seven brothers-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Breast Cancer via https://www.albertacancer.ca/donate.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Anglican Parish of Holy Cross, 2828 - 19 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta on Friday, September 27, 2019 at 1:00 PM. Interment of the urn will be held in the Military Section of Burnsland Cemetery in Calgary.