Obituary of Mabel Barbara McDougald

McDOUGALD: It is with deep sorrow that we announce that Mabel Barbara McDougald (nee MacDonald Johnson) of Brandon, Manitoba, flew away to her home in heaven on August 8, 2015 surrounded by loving family. Three of her granddaughters were singing 'Jesus Loves Me' (taught to them by their Grandma when they were little girls) when she drew her last breath. Mabel was born in Mozart, Saskatchewan on July 24, 1921 to Charles and Mary Johnson. Her siblings included Willie, Flora, Katie, and Irene. She grew up on a farm in Mozart and met her future husband, Burton Ernest McDougald, when he came to their farm to work. Mabel attended the Regina Grey Nuns Hospital nurses training program from 1940-43 and continued to practice nursing as well as raise her family of seven children, until she retired at the age of 65. Burt and Mabel were married on October 12, 1946 and resided at Kisbey, Saskatchewan, Fairlight, Saskatchewan and Brandon, Manitoba. They moved to a farm south of Brandon in 1967 and she continued to live on the farm as long as her health would allow. It was her favorite place to be up until her death. Mabel was an active member of the Brandon Church of Christ from 1959 up until her death. Her strong faith, Christian values, and servant attitude were readily recognized by all who knew her. The family would like to thank Gloria Ferland and other members of her church family for all their love and support. Mabel was predeceased by her husband Burton in 1975; and her parents Charles and Mary Johnson, her siblings Willie, Flora, Katie, and Irene, and her daughter-in-law Doris McDougald. She is survived by 7 children and 15 grandchildren: Muriel (Terry) Harkness [Craig and Tara]; Ron (Kathy) McDougald [Laura, Julie & Erin]; Eldon (Lianne) McDougald [Andrea and Mark]; Bruce McDougald [Jordan]; Elaine (Bruce) Hawkins [Stacy, Chris & Alison]; Heather (Ken) Heywood [Brittany and Nathan]; Neal (Laurie) McDougald [Scott and Bryan], as well as many precious great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brother-in-law Leslie Hess and numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life was held at Brockie Donovan Funeral Home, Brandon, Manitoba; a reception followed at the Prairie Oasis Senior Centre. Mabel was laid to rest next to her husband at the Minnewawa Cemetery.