Mabel Riley

It is with immense sorrow we announce the passing of beautiful Mabel. Wonderful wife, mother, step-mum, grandmother, great-grandma, sister, auntie, great-auntie, cousin, friend and neighbour.

Mabel and her beloved sisters, Florence, Mary and Betty grew up in the Bulkley Valley, adventuring across land, along river banks, over the hills and high into the mountains. Whether horseback riding (racing, with Mabel’s Captain in the lead!), hiking or picnicking, Mabel always brought along her Brownie camera and her paint brushes, providing many a generation with a poignant visual history, looking through her photo albums and gazing at her paintings.

As a young adult Mabel enjoyed journeys to San Francisco, New Mexico, Los Angeles, Pennsylvania, New York and throughout British Columbia, driving “the old Model-T”, “the old Chevy” and travelling by train.

In the true romantic fashion of the day, love came to her dancing on a mid-summer’s night. She was adored and cherished by Riley, and they married in 1959. Mabel’s love of travel, interest in new environments and aptitude for making life-long friendships was fulfilled in the ten homes they made together.

From 1968 to ’78 Mabel and Riley embraced a self-sufficient, back-to-the-land lifestyle, which today would be heralded as sustainable living and a great example to young eco warriors. On their acreage they nurtured the animals they rescued, named and loved. The moose, deer, birds… yes, even the wolves and coyotes, the hawks and the bears had protection and freedom from harm at Mabel and Riley’s place.

Moving to Victoria in 1978 they retired to running water, mains electricity and not so much snow to shovel! And above all to be near to family.

Until 2016 when her physical well-being began to decline, Mabel’s life in Victoria was active, delighting in hosting and attending dinners and daily get-togethers with family and friends; neighbourhood lunches and coffees; St. Aidan’s prayer group; St. Luke’s church services, bazaars and teas; Beacon Hill concerts; seaside walks; scenic drives; and ice creams on the breakwater. Her long-distance travels continued, as she visited loved ones in the United Kingdom, Sweden and Northern BC. At her home visitors were met with welcoming joy.

Mabel will be remembered for her generosity and gracious hospitality; for her amazing baking; determination; anecdotes of “the early days”; as a talented artist and up-cycler extraordinaire; for her ability to see and note the best in people; and, in her gentle manner, to inspire faith and acceptance.

To neighbourhood newcomers Mabel would, without need of acknowledgement, bestow to their door a pie, casserole or fruit from her garden. To those suffering she would bring homemade soup and a bouquet of her pretty flowers. To those in need Mabel’s gifts were abundant: parcels packed with care, given without assessment or judgement. Her blankets have warmed the war weary and the displaced. Her knitted slippers and socks have walked on lands from the West Coast to Northern Canada, from Palestine to South America, from Africa to Europe. She would trust her many charitable donations brought comfort and nourishment to others. Her thoughts were always for her fellow mankind, never herself. May this be found and live on in us all.

“…the benevolence of the good…remain, like the creative achievements of the richly gifted, a part of the heritage of humanity for ever.” Vera Brittain, 1935

Family in the UK would like to extend their gratitude to Carol Ann, Mabel’s step-daughter, and to Diana, Mabel’s niece and God-daughter. Thank you both. Your loving thoughtful kindness, ensuring Mum’s needs and best interests were met, went far and above the call of duty.

Many thanks also to those who worked to facilitate Mabel’s wishes and those who provided care.

A memorial will be held at St Luke’s, Cedar Hill, at a later date.