Obituary of Mable Marguerite Whitbread

WHITBREAD, Mable Marguerite (nee Dempsey) 1922-2017 Was born in Hyde Park, Ont., moving to Sarnia soon after her birth. Her mother Etta Dempsey, nee Stephenson, and father, William Dempsey, adored and supported her through the depression and wartime. Together, they gave her a strong sense of family values, taught her how to live life with a smile on her face and a passion for the piano. She is predeceased by her cherished husband, Rev. Arthur Whitbread, who was her partner in every way. They were a loved and loving couple in the parishes of Otter Lake, Dryden and Southfield, all in Michigan. Parishioners and friends eagerly anticipated the arrival of one of Mable's notes, for which she will always be remembered. Her brother, Bill Dempsey of Sarnia, predeceased Mable in 2013. She was his big sister and protector through a physically challenging childhood. She is survived by her two daughters, Heather Babin (Paul Kelman) and Kerry Kirby (Len Zehr), with whom she travelled widely. Her girls made her immensely proud. Their dedication to her after Arthur's death and during her later years reflected what a loving mother and positive role model she was to them. Grandchildren Robert and Kristen Zbikowski always surprised and impressed her with their life choices. She was proud of their academic accomplishments, their career choices and the ease with which they transitioned through today's challenging world. Nieces Bonnie Duquette (Maurice), Cathy Mathany (Michael), Carol Cooper (Gordon), and nephews Graeme (Patty) and Ian (Kathy) Somerville gave her much pleasure, calling and visiting regardless of how far they had to travel. Their diverse interests and families kept her young and she loved them dearly. Mable was young at heart, curious and always engaged. She had a keen intelligence and a passion for learning. She loved collecting trivia and sharing it with friends. Clever asides, poems, entertaining stories and jokes caught everyone off guard and left people chuckling. Greeting strangers with a warm smile, a twinkle in her eye and a polite compliment gained her new friends wherever she went. Sincere gratitude to everyone at Sunrise Senior Living who lovingly cared for Mable and whose hearts were touched by her in return. Treasured by all who knew her, she will be missed. Funeral services on Friday December 29, 2017 at 1 pm at St. Georges Anglican Church, 8700 Jerome St., Windsor. Light refreshments will be served before and after the service. Arrangements entrusted to WINDSOR CHAPEL (Banwell Chapel) 11677 Tecumseh Road East 519-253-7234. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com