Mabel Thorsteinson

Mable Thorsteinson (nee Bridal)

January 9, 1926 - August 24, 2019

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mable Thorsteinson (nee Bridal), of Gimli, Manitoba at 93 years of age. Mable passed suddenly, but peacefully at Holy Family Home.

Born in Crystal City, Manitoba to Mary and John Bridal on January 9, 1926, Mable moved to Mather, Manitoba in 1928 where she was raised with her younger sister Mildred. Mable also was fortunate enough to have three step-siblings Gordon, Beatrice, and Olive Trann. Mable developed her helpful disposition on the farm, and worked for the local store owner at both their store and residence. It was during this time she learned how to keep an immaculate home, which she did her entire life, proudly earning her ‘Mrs. Clean’ nickname. After a store fire a construction crew was called in, and this is where she met the love of her life John. In February of 1948 they were married in Mather and moved to Winnipeg to begin their family. Mable devoted herself to raising their two daughters, Violet and Marilyn, and she was a supportive, patient, and kind mother. John and Mable celebrated 70 years of marriage, and they had the kind of marriage fairy tales are made of. John looked at her with such affection until the day he passed, and she supported his life decisions where ever they took them. Mable was proud that they travelled coast to coast in the USA and Canada, were Arizona snowbirds for many years, and when she wanted to live in the country, John moved her to Woodlands, Manitoba. She enjoyed gardening and spending time with her dog Cindy when John was at work, and visits from her four grandchildren on the weekends. They were spoiled with camping trips, snowmobile rides, beach days, sleep-overs, and lots of love. After returning to Winnipeg John retired and they settled in Gimli where they enjoyed their homes on the water-front, Aspen Park, and 4th. It didn’t matter where they lived Mable could make it a warm, loving home. She never wanted for anything, and was humble for what she had. She enjoyed having tea, snacks, and playing cards with her many visitors, especially Wally and Colleen, and in the back ground they might hear her ‘stories’ or the ‘Grand Ole Opry’ on the TV. Her eight great-grandchildren were found of her gentle, graceful mannerisms, and held onto that extra squeeze she gave their hand as she hugged them. Mable was a woman who was always put together, a tough woman who never complained, easy going, positive, and very kind; she was the silent matriarch of the family. She greatly missed her devoted husband John since his passing in 2018, and we can only assume he has been busy preparing their eternal home to her liking. John must have finished his work as he called her home on August 24th. She will be greatly missed on earth, but we know she is once again safe in John’s embrace.

Mable was predeceased by her parents, step-siblings, brother-in-law Jack, son-in-law Kirk, and husband John. She is survived by her daughters Violet and Marilyn (Bob); grandchildren Michael, Brad (Jana), Janis (Daryl), and Cameron; and sister Mildred. As per Mable’s wishes she has been cremated, and a private family service will be held. Her family wish to thank the staff of Holy Family Home who lovingly supported her this past year.      

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