Obituary of Claribel Louise Webber

WEBBER: It is with great sadness but with grateful thanksgiving we announce the passing of Claribel Webber at her residence, Hillcrest Place, on her 98th birthday. She died the way she lived, with grace, strength and the comfort of her faith. Mom leaves a legacy as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Claribel was born on August 19th, 1916 in Fort William, Ontario. The second eldest of four children, she was a natural loving and caring sister to her siblings. She continued in this manner throughout her life and was often referred to as a "sweet lovely lady." Claribel was predeceased by her loving husband Harry, parents Lloyd and Lena Penman and brothers John and Mervin. She loved the outdoors, birds and our family dogs all held a special place in her heart. Mom was a lifelong member of Central United Church and the Eastern Star. She would move from Fort William, Ontario to Brandon soon after as her father, a CPR railroader, was transferred there. She lived over 60 years in her two residences on 2nd Street and later in Hobbs Manor. Mom worked early on in her life at Eaton's, then helped her father-in-law Walter "Cap" and husband Harry at Webber Printing. But Claribel was mainly a mom who loved her boys and often gave motherly attention to all her sons' friends as well. She loved music and often put up with John's band practices and Don's drumming in her basement. Mom was fortunate to travel with Harry, her sons, her mother and mother-in-law for short vacations to Bismarck, ND to the old Patterson Hotel. She also enjoyed trips with Dad to the USA, Hawaii, and Mexico. After Dad passed away, Mom still was able to travel extensively. Her favorite spot though was the North Shore on Clear Lake. We had many birthday parties there. Mom was known to have many late night games of gin rummy in which she often seemed to "win." She was known to have the odd encounter with bears, which she had no apparent fear of. Inspired and enriched by her life are her sons, Don (Bev) Webber and John (Barb) Webber of Brandon. Also to treasure her memory are her grandchildren Steve (Jenn), Kyla, Michael, Matt, and Talia, as well as great-grandchildren Serah, Isabella, Benjamin, and Olivia. She is survived by her loving sister Hazel of Toronto and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of Claribel's life will be held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332-8th Street, Brandon, MB on Tuesday, September 2nd at 2:30 p.m. with Funeral Celebrant, Kim Lewarne, officiating. A private family interment will take place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. A warm and sincere thank you to the staff of Hillcrest Place for their compassionate care of our much loved mother and grandmother. A special thank you also to Lorraine Dennis who attended to help Mom at lunch over the last 8 months. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Claribel's memory to Central United Building fund at 327-8th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 3X5.