Obituary of Mabel Verna Doak

Mabel Verna (Locke) Doak of Fredericton, New Brunswick passed away on Sunday, January 21st, 2024 at the Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital. She was the daughter of the late Selby Locke and Grace (Quartermain) Locke.

At a young age, Mabel developed a passion for music, especially for singing.  She began taking singing lessons and went on to win various scholarships and competitions, giving acclaimed performances and conducting award-winning choirs. In 1948 Mabel performed in the inaugural Fredericton Music Festival and remained actively involved for many years. Generations of students have come to know her unwavering commitment to their own personal success.

Mabel was the recipient of numerous awards including an Honorary Doctor of Letters degree from St. Thomas University and the Fredericton Playhouse Honours.

Mabel was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her commitment to family was unwavering. She celebrated with us, cried with us and protected us lovingly.

She is survived by daughters Edith Doak, Dianne Wilkins (Arnie), Nedra Dionne (Michael), Charlene Doak-Gebauer (Michael); grandchildren, Arden (Joan) Gardiner, Marc Gardiner, G. Brent Clowater, Jeffrey (Patricia) Clowater, Megan Wilkins (Vance Jeffries), Nancy Wilkins Keetch (Bryan Keetch), Adam (Nancy) Dionne, Kristal Dionne (Robert Glencross), Mitchael Dionne, Jayden Dionne and Nolan (Kim) Doak; great-grandchildren, Justin, Krissy, Kristen, Casey, Danny, William, Rosie, Mackaylah, Isabelle and Izzie.

Mabel is the last surviving member of her family. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Arden Doak, daughter, Ardeth Gardiner and grandchildren, Christopher Gardiner and Jacilyn (Jackie) Dionne.

A visitation will take place on Thursday, January 25th, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at McAdam’s Funeral Home. A Service of Remembrance will be held at Christ Church Cathedral on Friday, January 26th, 2024 at 11:00 am. For those unable to attend the service, a livestream may be viewed at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@christchurchcathedralfton. Interment will be at the Fredericton Rural Cemetery in the spring.

For those who wish, donations in Mabel’s name made to the Fredericton Music Festival, Internet Sense First, The Christ Church Cathedral Building Fund, or the Chalmers Foundation would be appreciated by the family.

Holding her in my heart, I learned so much about singing and life from her.

Rest in peace, dear Mabel (Wendy Nielsen)