Mabel Bignell

Mabel passed away peacefully with her family by her side, at the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home, Opaskwayak, Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at 5:18 am, at the age of 63 years. Mabel was born Thursday, August 11, 1949 in Shoal Lake, Saskatchewan. She was the second eldest child of the late Ella (nee Head) and Howard Bear. Mabel will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, grandmother (Kōhkom), auntie and godmother. Mabel received her education at Shoal Lake and as a teenager attended All Saints Residential School in Prince Albert Saskatchewan. She also attended KCC (UCN) where she went and upgraded her education. She then went back to KCC and took commercial cooking aide, which she completed and obtained her certificate in June of 2003. Mabel was united in marriage to Cornelius “George” Bignell, August 25, 1972 in Shoal Lake, Saskatchewan. Mabel and George rode in a carriage pulled by horses on their wedding day. Together they were blessed with three Children; Peter (Betsy) Bignell, Rosetta Bignell, Klerry (Kenneth) Horn. Mabel and George were also blessed with six grandchildren; Phillip, Shane, Kyle, Alexander, Jamie and Brooklynn. Mabel loved to spend time with her grandchildren, they were her pride and joy. The Church and reading the bible was a very vital component in Mabel’s life to the very end. Mabel remained strong in her faith, she strongly believed that God took care of her while she was experiencing her health problems. She was a lifetime member of Willing Workers of the Church of the Messiah. Mabel loved to attend church when she could with her good friend, Betty Huxley and attend Gospel Jamborees. Mabel loved to do beadwork, she took pride in her vamps. She also loved sewing. She would make moss bags, bonnets and would also try to make her own clothing. Mabel also loved baking, she was known for her famous bannock, which she also sold to the Miss The Pas Restaurant. Everyone loved her bannock. Mabel was also employed by Opasquia Manufacturing and Kerr’s Furs. Mabel and George would go visiting family and friends throughout OCN and Shoal Lake. They were always ready for a cup of tea and share a laugh with whomever they were with. Mabel had such a soft voice and very contagious laugh and she always had a smile on her face. Mabel and George loved to go down river to go spring trapping and fall hunting. Dad loved to play his fiddle for mom, she loved the sound of it. Mabel and George always had their door open for everyone, they always made you feel welcome in their home. Mabel had the respect of all who knew her. Mabel will be sadly missed by her children, grandchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews, brothers Clifford (Rhoda) Bear, Lionel (Annel) Bear; sisters-in-law Anne Goodman, Evelyn (Albert) Ballantyne; sister Deliah (Lawrence) Lathlin; godchild Carlton Bear; and many relatives from Cumberland House, Red Earth, Shoal Lake, James Smith, Saskatchewan, and Opaskwayak Cree Nation, too numerous to mention. Mabel was predeceased by her husband Cornelius George Bignell; brothers Lynn, Richard, Peter, Sam Gerald, Lauder, Michael and Oscar Bear; sisters-in-law Rachael Bignell, Eva Bear, Claudia Bear; brothers-in-law Paul Bignell, Eric Bignell Sr.; special aunts Annie Whitehead, Flora Jane Young; grandchild Baby Renee Ella Bignell. If we forgot anyone, it was not intentional. œ The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the patience, kindness and care provided for mom while she resided at the Rod McGillivary Memorial Care Home. We thank you. And to all the family and friends who sat with mom during her last days with us. For the people who said prayers with mom, thank you. The caring and kindness given, helped the family journey throughout this difficult time. WAKE SERVICES Saturday, June 15, 2013 and Sunday, June 16, 2013 Church of the Messiah, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Manitoba FUNERAL SERVICES Monday, June 17, 2013 1:00 pm Church of the Messiah, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB Presider: Rev. Bruce Constant Layreader: Allen Bignell Jr. Music: Mike Jebb Jr. Scripture Reading: Annel Bear, Evelyn Ballantyne, Jim Smith Eulogy: Lily Young INTERMENT Emmanuel Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, MB PALLBEARERS Clarke Bear, Carlton Bear, Shaun Bear, Vernon “Panēss” Bear, Bertram “Crazy Joe” Bear, Wendall Bradley “Giant” Bear. HONORARY PALLBEARERS Mabel’s Children, Grandchildren, All Relatives and Friends.