With sadness, and with appreciation for a life lived to the fullest, the family of Mabel (née Sponagle) Walker announce her passing on August 26, 2023 in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Mabel will live on in the memory of her daughters, Catherine (and Bill Rice), of Lunenburg and Anne (and Alan Clark), of Truro; her son Allan (and Andrea) of Jacksonville, NB; and her forever-daughter-in-law, Diane McLean-Walker, of Truro. Mabel was a caring grandmother to Tina Walker-Morgan (and Tim), John Walker (and Julia), and Danielle Walker; Alexander Clark; and Allana, Alex (and Emily), and Luke Walker. She was equally delighted by her seven great-grandchildren: Thane and Tanner Morgan; Elyse, Rylen and Cayleb Harpell; and Kathleen and Daniel Walker. Mabel was predeceased by her loving husband of sixty years, John Walker, in 2015, and her beloved son, Daniel, in 2010.

Born in Goldenville, Guysborough County in January 1929, Mabel was the youngest child of James Augustus and Alberta (née Nickerson) Sponagle. One of twelve, she was predeceased by five brothers: Byron, Sheet Harbour; Edwin, Goldenville; Lester, Halifax; Morton, Liverpool; and Robert, Moncton; and five sisters: Alberta Smith, Goshen; Doris Hudson, Country Harbour; Irene McDonald, Halifax; Ina Sponagle, Bible Hill; and Olive Christianson, Truro. She is survived by her devoted brother Harold (and wife Eileen), Halifax. Mabel cherished each of her siblings and her many nieces and nephews.

Mabel graduated from high school at a young age and spent two years teaching in one-room schools in rural Nova Scotia until she was old enough to attend St. Martha’s School of Nursing in Antigonish. She continued her nursing education at Dalhousie University and enjoyed travelling the rural roads as a public health nurse until the birth of her first child.

She and John called 64 Park Street home for over 60 years. They are fondly remembered for their generous hospitality, both at Park Street, and at their cottage on the Brule Shore.

When her family was older Mabel returned to nursing, working in a local medical clinic. She always made time for others—contributing countless volunteer hours with the Canadian Cancer Society, the Catholic Women’s League, and St. Mary’s Elementary School. She was a lifelong member of Immaculate Conception parish, and her evolving faith was a source of strength and comfort throughout her life.

At mid-life she enjoyed cross-country skiing, golfing, and travel adventures with friends. In later years she continued to make the best strawberry jam, enjoy good books, play bridge, go for walks, and keep up with family and friends—she never lost her zest for life or for learning. When she reluctantly gave up driving in her early 90s, she moved to a cozy apartment at Edinburgh Hall, Parkland where she enjoyed a hilltop view and making new friends.

A Liturgy of the Word will be held at Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow Street, Truro at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 31. A private interment for family will follow at St. Michael’s Silent City Cemetery in Middleton Corner, Colchester County.

Donations in Mabel’s memory can be made to the Colchester Food Bank “Hope Not Hunger”.

“Because I have loved life, I shall have no sorrow to die.
I have sent up my gladness on wings, to be lost in the blue of the sky …”
~Amelia Josephine Burr