Mabel Whitman

Mabel Beatrice Barone Whitman was born in Providence, RI on June 14, 1931 to Albert Barone, Sr. and Hazel Louise Lussier. She lived there with her parents and siblings: Natalie, Albert, Jr., Vincent and Anna. She dropped out of high school to help support her family by working. Raised in an Italian-Portugese neighborhood, she was nonetheless frequently called "Dago" or "WOP" (derogatory phrases directed at her Italian heritage). As a result of her exposure to racism at a young age, she became a proponent of equal rights for all and showed respect for the individual in every person she touched.

She met and married George W. Whitman of Lebanon, PA. They started their life together in Providence, but moved frequently, expanding their family in Providence, NY and CA before settling in Columbus, OH sixty years ago.

While her children were young, she made time to be a Den Mother and a Girl Scout Troop leader. Many women in the Columbus area remember GS camping with her, Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Hensell.

As the family expanded, George grew restless and eventually left her with six children under the age of fifteen. She lived in the suburbs, she had not worked outside the home since she was 19, she had no high school diploma and did not drive.

With the help of family, she was able to secure a job, learn to drive and provide for her family. The purchase of her first new car ever, a Chevy Nova, was a symbol of freedom and success for her!

To support her family, she would often work 45-70 hours a week, yet she never missed a school function or church mass. She was a longstanding member of the Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Columbus.

Over the years, she made many friends. While working downtown at a local eatery, "Smitty's", she made friends with members of the Columbus police department, the nascent gay community and many other marginalized people. Often, she would bring these "unseen" people to her home, for further physical and spiritual nurturing.

She knew how to cook and how to listen. She was well-read and a life long learner. Mabel earned her GED when she was in her 40's, though truthfully, she was probably one of the smartest people you would meet - no degree necessary.

Though she was innately insecure, she was always able to make friends and family welcome. A pot of coffee was always brewing and hearty homecooked food was never more than 20 minutes from being ready to share. Though money was often tight, we never went without.

When grandkids entered her life, her beautiful blue eyes sparkled twice as bright and a youthful energy returned. She enjoyed driving, and she and her first grandson, Nathan, enjoyed several driving vacations.

She retired from the hospitality industry (twice), having started her career as a waitress and moved up to become Catering Director at various local Sheratons. Yes - she raised six children on a waitress' salary. No paid time off back in those days.

Retirement was not for her! She worked for a time at Lowes. But she really found her home working in food service for the Columbus Public Schools for ten years, while in her 70's. She would often tell heartbreaking stories about the children she served - many would only receive one meal that day and it came from her. Though she was not a rule breaker, she made sure they were well-fed on her watch. Her kids called her the "Rapping Granny" because she would make up little rhymes about her favorites in the lunch line. Her grandkids called her the "OG" and Gma.

After retirement, she found enjoyment swimming at the JCC and making new friends. It was there she met her dear friend Dorothy Tanner. They had many good times together.

Mabel was a unique woman for her time. Born just after the Great Depression, living through WWII and its aftermath and the Civil Rights era. A Catholic woman divorced in an age when it was not discussed. Through all her hardships, she kept a positive outlook and put her children's happiness before her own.

She loved to travel and saw much of the U.S. She was able to take one trip overseas to England, which made for many lovely memories.

Her real passions were her grandchildren, Scrabble, reading and gardening. It was a rare day of triumph when one of her kids could beat her at Scrabble. Even in her 80's she was a formidable player.

She died about 3 years after learning she had colon cancer. In the last months and days, she had many good days, more bad days and much pain. Through it all she maintained that "it's not so bad" attitude we all know so well. By the end, her blue eyes had faded, her sparkle had diminished, but the flame that was our Mother still burned. She would not be diminished. She will be missed.

She leaves behind to mourn her beloved sister Anna, her daughter Karen (Lindsey) Morris, sons Lance, John (Catherine Langley), Jeff (Gennifer) and daughters Elizabeth (Peter) Skove and Gabrielle (Clark) Combs. Additionally she leaves behind six heart-broken grandchildren, 5 great-grand children and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to acknowledge her angel on Earth, Gwen Prince. Gwen provided so much more than hospice as mom grew more and more sick. Gwen loved mom and mom loved her right back. They were a fierce team!

Please consider donating to your local Hospice/Promedica branch or your local food bank to honor our mother and celebrate the inspiring life she led.