It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Mabel Saliken born in Glade, BC on February 29, 1928 to Mike and Annie Laren. Mabel passed away peacefully in Nelson on November 17, 2016 surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren.
Mabel met the love of her life, Mike Saliken in 1958 and they were married in that same year. The happy couple moved to Remac where Mike worked in the mines and she gardened, sewed and raised their children.
Mabel’s incredible work ethic and cooking skills led her to become a head cook for Crescent Valley funeral and wedding cooking groups. Mabel loved to sing which gave her the opportunity to show her faith and devotion to God.
As time went on Mabel was still looking for adventure and opportunity to grow so she made the decision to move to Lake View village in Nelson. That seemed to be a rebirth in her drive and gift to make new friends. Dressing up for dinner and giving the cook advice when his soup was not quite right and also giving him a thumbs up when it was to her liking.
This life change gave her a big boost in confidence and some new life skills. Mabel also loved her Broader Horizon family and she fit right in. She was a fierce Carpet bowler and turns out an incredibly creative jewellery designer. This is where her negotiating skills came into play. Still baking bread well into her 80’s she learnt how to trade her famous bread for shiny rocks that were used in her necklaces.
Mabel’s time here has left a building block of faith and honesty in the human spirit planted in all of us. On November 17th she left this world in the presence of her family to be with her family in heaven.
Mabel will be missed and dearly remembered by her son Dan (Lonnie) and her grandchildren Michael and Nicole Saliken and Nicole and David Butz; her daughter Holly (Gary Martin) and their children Jennifer (Dan), Colin (Samantha), and Andrew. She also leaves three precious Great Granddaughters Emily, Ella and Paisley.
The Saliken and Martin families would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses, and home support workers who assisted in Mom’s care over the years. We would also like to express a heartfelt thank you to the Krestova and surrounding communities for their guidance and help in giving mom the proper funeral. Thank you Harry Zeabin for leading the prayer services on November 22, 2016 in the Krestova Hall with the interment at the Krestova Cemetery. The psalmists and congregational singers as well as the Krestova cooking group were amazing in their support of the family. To Leonard Balchewski for his grave side services, Jordan Wren and Bill Strilaeff from the Castlegar Funeral Chapel. We feel blessed to be surrounded by wonderful support.
Mom (Baba) your work here on earth is done and we are going to be okay. Thank you for the strength you gave us and for the love you leave behind.
God Bless until we meet again.