April 13, 1923-April 9, 2011
With sadness we share the passing of Mabel Mills. With joy, we celebrate her life. Mabel passed away in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 9, 2011, just four days short of her 88th birthday. Until the fall, Mabel remained as active as she had always been, walking for miles outdoors in good weather. She was only slowed by a mercifully short battle with cancer. Mabel was born in Deepcar, England. Her parents, John Arthur, a coal miner, and Mercy Whittaker had nine children. When Mabel was 14 years old, she started working in the household of a lord and lady. There she learned the art of meticulous housekeeping, an art she practiced throughout her life. During World War II, Mabel joined the Navy, Army and Air Force Institutes (NAAFI). She may have been wearing her army uniform when she met Hilmer Albert Mills. Known to everyone as Bud, he was a Saskatchewan boy overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Mabel and Bud were married on Oct. 20, 1943. Just 13 months later, the young couple welcomed a daughter, Shirley Ann. When the world was at peace, Mabel crossed the Atlantic with her infant daughter to join Bud in Saskatchewan. When they disembarked from the Queen Mary, their first steps on Canadian soil were at Pier 21 in Halifax on June 15, 1946. From there, the pair crossed Canada by train. The train was an integral part of Mabel’s life. Bud worked for CN Rail until he retired. After their only child moved to Nova Scotia with her family, Mabel and Bud visited often and only by train. Though Bud had been in the air force, Mabel was happy to have never left the ground in a plane. Mabel and Bud lived for many years in Davidson. After Bud passed away in 1998, Mabel moved to Nova Scotia to be closer to Shirley and her husband Dave. For 13 years, Mabel enjoyed the Maritimes. Recognized by everyone who met her as a grand, English lady, Mabel was a loving mother and grandmother who worked hard her whole life. She never forgot the value of a penny and delighted others when she flashed her sharp humour. Mabel will be missed by her devoted daughter and son-in-law; grandchildren Allison and Richard and his partner Kevin; Wayne and Marlene Roberts and their family in Kenaston; and many other nieces and nephews in England, Wales and the US. In keeping with her wishes, following cremation the remains will be interred at a later date. Though we will miss Mabel, we are comforted knowing that she and Bud have been reunited for eternity. In her loving memory, donations may be made to any charity.