It is with great sadness and fond memories of love and wholesome kindness that we, the family, announce the passing of Mabel (Knowles) Stever, which occurred at the Robert L. Knowles Veteran's Unit on Monday August 11, at the age of 87.
Born in Canobie, she was the daughter of Thomas and Pearl (Emma Sealy) Knowles.
She is survived by daughter Susan, grandchildren Morgan and Nicholas Wells, Amanda and Jarrett Wood, sisters Edith Young (late Norman), and Leona Cooper. Her most recent pride and joy was her precious great grandchild Magnus. You just had to mention his name and she would glow.
She was pre-deceased by her husband of 60 years Raymond Stever, cherished daughter Christine (Paul Wood), brothers Earl, Russell, Gerald, Hewlett, Harper (Florence), and Herbert (Shirley) Knowles, sister Marjorie Knowles.
Mabel was the baby of 10, and known as “Babe” by family members. Graduating from Bathurst High School she started her working life dedicated to Hatheway’s as well as assisting Raymond with Stever Fuels.
Mabel’s passions were very simple. She loved to garden, cook, quilt, knit, read, and most especially care for her family. She was as passionate raising her grandchildren as her children. Her new great grandson gave her a bright sparkle in her eye every time he came to visit. She loved animals and allowed us to take in many. Visits to the nursing home in her final years by people with pets was wonderful. She loved to organize family get-togethers and keeping those ties were very important.
Her quilts and her recipes will live on forever through her family and friends – Nana’s jam was the best. She was Auntie Mabel to many who weren’t even related, yet felt the love in her special gifts and her warm heart.
Never shy to help anyone in need, our family learned at a young age what “giving to others” was all about. Whether it was giving to families in need, cooking and baking for church functions, or making quilts, this volunteerism and generosity won’t be forgotten by her many recipients – and always a great listener.
Her last years were spent being cared for at the RL Knowles Veteran’s Unit by a wonderful group of caring staff, students, and volunteers, and many who liked to learn how to garden with her. There was no weed safe under her eye. Those wild tiny strawberries in the field were her favorite to pick and share with others. Tiny as she was, she still loved to get her hands dirty in the garden and teach others her trade. Those drills needed to be straight. Her kindness will be sadly missed by all who knew her. As one person said, “The world needs more Mabels”.
There will be no service at this time. A memorial will be announced at a later date. Mom / Nana will be laid to rest with Raymond in Sand Hill – not far from her home.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Bathurst Animal Shelter or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton’ s Funeral Home, Bathurst (www.elhatton.com).
