The family of Mabel Forgay (Mains) (nee: Knutson) are saddened to announce her peaceful passing on November 7 at Michener Extendicare in Red Deer, with loved ones by her side. An adored grandma, mother, sister, aunt and friend to so many, she will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Mabel was born the fifth child and only girl to Norwegian parents on a homestead near McCord, Saskatchewan on August 12, 1929. Her brother Clifford passed away one year before her birth. She is also predeceased by her parents Martin and Malvina Knutson, brothers Magnar, Erling, Arnold, Martin & Kenny Knutson, first husband Lowry Forgay, daughter Karen Gooding, and her second husband, Ivan Mains. Mabel is survived by her two sons Warren and Bill Forgay, six grandchildren Allison Gray (Charles), Kim Kruchkowski (Tim), Chris, Heather, Stephanie & Scott Gooding, and two great grandchildren; Coltan and Hayden Gray.

Mabel grew up in Saskatchewan and graduated by Grade 11 in 1946. She went on to complete two years of Normal School, training to become a teacher. Once employed and teaching in Frobisher, she met Lowry Forgay, whom she married on April 17, 1954. They moved to Estevan, where their three esteemed children were born: Warren in 1956, Karen in 1958, and Bill in 1960. Soon after Bill arrived, the family relocated and settled in Red Deer, Alberta.

While in Red Deer, Mabel obtained employment with the Red Deer Public School District, beginning as a substitute teacher. Eventually, she was offered a full-time position at Oriole Park School, specializing in Remedial Reading.

Retiring in the mid 80’s, Mabel continued to spend time with her friends
and remained active in her church and ladies’ groups. She enjoyed tending to her garden, sewing, travelling, walking, and nurturing her growing family, including many family dinners and holiday celebrations. Between 1983, and 1994, she had six grandchildren whom she was a wonderful tutor and role model to. Her husband Lowry passed away in 1998, and she was remarried to Ivan Mains in 2002. They shared many years of memorable trips and family gatherings together. Ivan eventually went to stay with his family in Ottawa in 2016, writing letters back and forth as they could.

Mabel was a respected teacher and member of her church and community. She leaves behind a legacy of traditions and stable family bonds, loving relationships, strong value for education, and a firm belief in Jesus Christ that will live on through her family.

A celebration of life for Mabel will be held at Living Stones Church at 1:00 pm (2020 40 Ave, Red Deer) on Thursday, November 21, 2024. Condolences or sympathy flowers may be left with the church staff.

Condolences to Mabel’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net . Please indicate “ Mabel Mains“ in the subject line.

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

• Date : 2024-11-18
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB (Locally Owned)