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Mabel Alice Mikkelson, fondly known as Mabelle, passed away peacefully in the early hours of Thursday, January 22, 2009 at the age of 85 years.

A celebration of life service will be held from the chapel of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm, on Monday, February 2nd at 11:00 a.m. with Capreece Bowers, the funeral celebrant.  Interment will follow in the family plot at Mt. Ida Cemetery.  A reception will follow in the Mountainside room at Bowers.

Mabelle was a pioneer of the Salmon Arm area, born in Carlin on July 22, 1923. Her mother, Clara Rosenna Rabie, also born in Carlin, married Viljo Alver (Mike) Mikkelson who was born in the Shuswap in 1900.  They farmed at Carlin until the 1950’s when they moved into Salmon Arm. Her family included the Myers and Rabie families, all pioneers of the Shuswap.

Mabelle was a hairdresser in Kamloops and an exclusive shop in Vancouver, gaining recognition for her hairstyling and fine manners. Following the death of her father and her mother’s failing health, she returned to be the main caregiver for her mother. With the passing of her mother, Mabelle’s personal health and memory started to fail.  Her life was extended with new enthusiasm by moving to the home of Delores and Leo Arsenault near Enderby. They quickly made her an honourary member of their family and with the dedicated care and love of all the staff, she blossomed. Mabelle later moved to Oakside Manor.  She adjusted quickly with all the caring staff, enjoying the fellowship of other residents, the volunteers and musical care programs.

Mabelle was a special lady that adapted well. With her failing memory and her medical condition, her close friends considered her to be a miracle lady. She had the ability to enjoy life as it came, regardless of her physical condition, her sickness or mobility.  Mabelle truly lived life with joy.

     Email condolences may be sent to

sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com

     Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.



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