Mabel Esquash

Mabel Esquash (Swain)

April 16, 1916- January 9, 2007

It is with deep sadness that the family announces the passing of Mabel Esquash at the Grace Hospital on January 9, 2007, at the age of 90 years.

Mabel was predeceased by her husband Charlie Esquash, brothers; Fred and Raymond Swain, one sister; Rosemarie Esquash, four sons; Morris, Albert, Thomas, and Kenneth, one daughter; Shirley, grandchildren; David Scott and Colleen Esquash, great-grandchildren; Angel and Sonia Martin, and Tara Esquash.

Mabel is survived by daughters; Clara Esquash (Mike), and Grace Esquash (Simon) both from Winnipeg, brother; John Swain (Theresa) of Swan Lake, MB, sisters; Vinna Swain of Swan Lake, MB, and Mary Chartrand of Duck Bay, MB; 28 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, 24 great-great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Mabel was born and raised in the community of Swan Lake First Nation. She attended the Portage La Prairie Residential School. Mabel married Charlie in 1932. Together they had 7 children. With 2 sons passing away in infancy, Mabel and Charlie went on to raise their 5 surviving children on the Swan Lake First Nation. Mabel and Charlie celebrated 53 years of marriage until the time of his passing in July 1985.

Mabel was a strong woman who helped her family and loved ones through many of life’s hardships. She was well known for her cooking and old-fashioned canning abilities, and was a generous hostess to all those who stopped in to pay her a visit. She touched many a heart in her special way that was hers and hers alone. Family and community were so important to her. Through her life Mabel cared for many people; upon her sister’s passing, she became a second mother to Rosemarie’s children; Charlotte Daniels, Dorothy Mayner, Gerald, Jimmy and Yvonne Esquash, as well as raising 4 of her own grandchildren.

Mabel was the epitome of the old saying “the glue that keeps the family together” she was loved dearly and well- respected by all who knew her. Mabel’s passing will leave emptiness in everyone’s life and hearts, for she was a big part of everyone’s life. Our only comfort is that she is now with Grandpa Charlie, whom she missed dearly.

Wake will be held on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 4:00 pm, at the Swan Lake Community Hall. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2007, at the Swan Lake Community Hall at 2:00 pm.

Until we see you again Kookoo, we love you.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326.

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