Mable Estella Martens

Mable leaves behind her loving and devoted husband Jake; their children Carter (Anita) Martens, Heather (Dennis) Oishi, and Sylvia (Daniel) Bourassa; grandchildren Amy Oishi (Derek Penner), Kyla (Brett) Blanleil, Steven Oishi (Sarah Cannon), Mitchell MacDonald, Olivia Bourassa; and great-grandchildren Rion and Mya Blanleil. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Mickey Schienle and Mary Martens.

Mable was born the baby of the family in Swanson, Saskatchewan 93 years ago on the farm of her Scottish immigrant father George Tweedie, and Ottawa import mother Eleanor Katie Olmsted, a little sister for Andrew and Doug. In her early years, she loved all her animals: dogs, “oodles of cats” and the orphan lamb she fed by bottle. She played hockey, softball and rode her beloved horses.

Mable graduated at the top of her class (she was the only one in her grade all through school) and moved to Saskatoon to work and play, then to St. Catharines where she was set up on a blind date at a dance with a handsome younger man. They hit it off, but he had to fight off other suitors for five years until she finally said yes; they wed in 1955 in Saskatoon and danced for 65 years after that. They had a full social life that included having company over and going to dances. Mable was proud to present Jake with a son for his 30th birthday, a daughter two years later and a spare daughter two years after that. With three young children, she quit work to devote her time to the family. After vacationing numerous times to Kelowna, they decided to move there in 1969. Mable started work at Wosk’s in the small appliance department, retired in 1994 and worked part-time in a gift shop until 2003.

They square- and line-danced, bowled, snow skied, camped, played golf and watched hockey, baseball and curling on TV.

Mable picked up the travel bug and with Jake and their friends and family made multiple trips to Arizona, Florida, Bahamas, Panama, Hawaii, Disneyworld, Britain, and Europe. Scotland, of course, was a favourite.

She was a devoted mother, selfless (probably never ate chocolate in the closet so she wouldn’t have to share with the kids), rarely cried or lost her temper. She was ready with encouraging words and positive thoughts; she always made other people feel better.

She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother and was always happy to hear any of them play the piano or watch them at their games and activities.

Mable was quick with a compliment right to the end, even struggling with dementia. She always noticed a good head of hair and nice hands, and always said how nice we looked.

Her family will remember her scalloped potatoes, her giggle fits, back tickles and her love. She will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew her.

If you have any memories you would like to share with the family, please email them to [email protected]

A celebration of life will be held in 2021 when restrictions have been lifted.

In lieu of flowers, Mom would be pleased if you made a donation to the charity of your choice, as she did throughout her life.

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com