Obituary of Mabel Elizabeth Huehn
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mabel Elizabeth (née Rieck) Huehn of Waterloo, Ontario. Mabel peacefully, went to be with her Lord, on February 24th, 2021 at the Freeport site of the Grand River Hospital, in Kitchener, in her 104th year.
Mabel was born September 12, 1917 in Blair, Ontario to Mary Ann (Thoman) and Ervin Rieck. Beloved wife of 54 years to Harold who predeceased her on January 23rd, 2000. Dear mother of Ross Huehn (Karen) of Kitchener, Robert Huehn (Barbara) of Sauble Beach, and Mary (Eric) Cannell of Beaconsfield, Quebec; loving grandmother to Rachel, Rebecca (Andy), Paul (Jessie), John (Amy) and Elizabeth (Stephan); loving great grandmother to Joscelyne (Chad), Kyla, Peyton, Hunter and Rebecca; loving great great grandmother to Olivia; and aunt to numerous dear nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her parents, stepmother Edna; her brother Harold (Shirley) Rieck, sister Elsie (Roy) Heller; and sister Myrtle (Edward) Armstrong.
Mabel centered her life on her family, her church, and her community and could always be relied on to serve others in so many ways. She added love and colour to her home and the homes of so many others. Sharing flowers and produce from their gardens and orchard and spending hours planning and making bed quilts for her extended family. Well into her 90’s, Mabel made hundreds of children’s cuddle quilts, along with daughter Mary, to encourage children in Montreal women’s shelters and schools.
She worked at Kaufman Footwear in Kitchener before dairy farming with her husband Harold in Rummelhardt for many years. Along with her husband and brother-in-law Bill Huehn, they operated a butcher shop and sold meat at the Waterloo Market until 1957. Mabel, as a very strong woman, handled the heavy milking machines for morning and evening milkings of 36 cows.
Mabel was a long term faithful member of First Baptist Church in Waterloo where she helped on the Social Committee, as a member of the Caring Committee phoning shut-ins, and on the prayer chain. She was an active member of the Rummelhardt branch of the Women’s Institute. She was also foster mother to many children from difficult circumstances.
A private family service will be held at Memory Gardens. A Celebration of Mabel’s life story will be held on her birthday in September at the home of her son Ross in Kitchener after COVID restrictions are lifted.
The family extends a very special thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and care givers at Parkwood Retirement Suites and the Grand River Hospital and Freeport site. Thank you for your kindness, compassion, and care of Mabel. As expressions of sympathy, donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Waterloo or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated and can be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.erbgood.com.
