MABEL PETSNICK

Mabel Petsnick passed away peacefully in her sleep at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at the age of 86.
She was born to Annice and Clifford Howard in Bamborough, England on July 14, 1923.
Mabel emigrated from England to Canada as a child and settled in Kenora, Ont., where she grew up and married Oscar Petsnick.
A son, Brian, was born in 1945. In 1948, she moved with her young family to Fort Frances. 
Mabel was a wonderful, caring, and selfless lady with a delightful sense of humour. Her consistently positive outlook on life was a joy to all that knew her.
During her working years, she was employed at La Verendrye Hospital and the Residential School.
She also cared for the children of several families in the community.
Mabel’s greatest satisfaction was as a foster parent. Over the years, young people who needed a temporary place to work out a rough patch were sent to share her home.
Mabel provided love, respect, and firm guidance. She was deeply moved that many of those children stayed in touch as adults. 
Mabel loved completing puzzles of all kinds. She also travelled frequently to visit her children on the West Coast and in Dryden, Ont., and her siblings in Kenora and Florida.
She adored children, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mabel aged physically, but never really seemed to grow old. She always had a youthful demeanor, and looked at the magic of life with a child-like joy and wonder.
In circumstances that would try the strongest among us, she never complained. It was always “I’m OK.” And she meant it.
Until recently, Mabel had lived at Flinders Place on Colonization Road West. She treasured the many friendships she made during her time there and often spoke fondly of the enjoyable camaraderie for coffee, potluck dinners, or just the evening gathering at the end of the hall on the second floor.
When it became physically too difficult to be on her own, Mabel arranged to move to Rainycrest, where she spent the last month.
She was very pleased to be there, and had the highest regard and appreciation for the marvelous staff.
  Mabel was predeceased by her husband, Oscar Petsnick; sister, Edith Woodrow; brother, Donald Howard; and brothers-in-law, Maurice Beasant, Lee Conlee, George Dunford, and Clarence Woodrow.
She is survived by her sisters, Shirley Beasant Morin, Doreen Dunford, and Joyce Conlee; and brother, Raymond.
Also surviving children are her sons, Brian, Barry, and Bruce Petsnick; and daughter, Barbara O’Connell.
There are 13 grandchildren: Laura Lee, Daniel, and Andrew Petsnick (Brian and Linda), Meghan Northway, and Adam, Seamus, and Michael O’Connell (Barbara O’Connell), David Petsnick and Tracy Hodgson (Barry and Cyndy Petsnick), and Aaron and Melanie Petsnick and Scott and Michael McGinn (Bruce and Shelley Petsnick).
In addition there are 10 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Monday, May 3, 2010 at 2 p.m. at the New Beginnings Fellowship Church, 1301 Mill Rd., in Fort Frances.
Rev. Marcel Chenier will officiate, followed by interment in Riverview Cemetery on Colonization Road West in Fort Frances.
There will be a lunch at the New Beginnings Fellowship Church following the graveside service.
Friends may visit prior to the funeral service on Monday at the New Beginnings Fellowship Church.
The pallbearers will be her grandsons, David Petsnick, Daniel Petsnick, Andrew Petsnick, Adam O’Connell, Michael O’Connell, and Seamus O’Connell.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario may be made c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com