Mabel Pearl Tait

Mabel Pearl Tait, age 90, passed peacefully on May 22nd, 2026 in her home surrounded by the love of her family after a life lived with spirited strength, unwavering love and generous kindness which she devoted to her cherished family and friends.

Mabel spent her winters in St Catharines, Ontario and her cherished summers at the family cottage in Silver Bay, Port Colborne, Ontario -- a place that became the heart and soul of generations of family gatherings. The cottage was rarely quiet in the summertime, filled with sisters, brothers, children, cousins, friends, laughter, card games, shared meals, and the simple joy of being together. Mabel helped create that sense of home and belonging that drew everyone back year after year.

As a young woman, Mabel worked as a Bell Telephone Operator in Ridgeway, connecting calls through the old manual switchboard across town and throughout Canada and the United States. She developed a calm voice, patience, and warmth that would remain hallmarks of her character throughout her life.

When she met Robert, the love of her life and husband of almost 70 years, she left her position to devote herself fully to raising their family. To Mabel, family was never simply important -- it was everything. And if you were a cherished friend, you were also family. Her home was a place of pride, welcome, care, generosity, and constancy. She loved deeply and faithfully, and her children always knew they were treasured.

Later, after her children were grown, Mabel returned to work and thrived as a Switchboard Operator at the St Catharines General Hospital, where her kindness, reliability, and calm presence touched countless people until her retirement in 1996.

Mabel was predeceased by her beloved parents, Daniel and Alta Climenhaga (née Fretz); by her sisters and brothers Geraldine Bailey (Robert), Audrey Trefry (Edward), Arden Climenhaga (Carolyn), and Orpha Dyck.

She will be lovingly remembered by her dear brother Orville Climenhaga (Carole), and brother-in-law John Dyck.

Mabel leaves behind four children who adored her: Geoffrey Tait (Carol), Randy Tait, Sandra Tait (Michelle Gagnon), and her chosen daughter Debbie Culp (Frank).

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Aaron Tait, Christina Beatty (Jacob), Kayla Culp (Matt), and Mindy Culp, and a cherished great-grandmother to Maverick, Ava and Ellie.

She will also be deeply missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends whose lives were brightened by her warm and fun-loving spirit.

More than anything, Mabel will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the family she held together, and the feeling of comfort, acceptance, and sense of home she created for everyone. Her life reminds us that devotion, steady kindness, and unwavering love leave the deepest legacy.

Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at Williams Funeral Services, 722 Ridge Road North, Ridgeway ON L0S 1N0 at a date and time yet to be determined.