Obituary of Mable Nancy Allan

Mable Nancy Allan (nee Popoff) 1937 - 2014 It is with broken hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our Mom, Mable Allan, on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Mom was 76 years old. The youngest of 4 children, Mom was born at home in Pass Creek on December 11, 1937. She grew up on a farm with no electricity, running water or phone, a coal stove for cooking and heating, and a bathroom outside. Mom always loved to crochet and embroider; and this she learned by the light of a coal oil lamp. As a teen, during the summers she worked in Creston picking strawberries and raspberries, or would go to Summerland to work in a cannery processing fruits and vegetables, where she got to meet a lot of friends her own age. In her late teens, Mom went to visit her older sister, Mary, in Vancouver, got a job and ended up staying 5 years. She loved Vancouver! Mom's friend, Tilly, was the singer in a band so Mom went along with her to different gigs and sang with her at times. The band was hired to play at the Scooner Club on the Airforce Base in Richmond, and this is where she met our Dad, Bill, a tri-service man who was in charge of hiring entertainment for the club. Mom and Dad were married in April 1961 and moved to Castlegar in 1962. They welcomed us, their 3 daughters, in the years to follow. In 1973 Mom and Dad went to visit some close friends who had moved to Elkford. The road into Elkford was all washboard and Mom told Dad, "I will never live here." Six months later, Dad was hired by Fording, so they packed us up and moved into what would be their home for 22 years. Mom worked at the Elkford Post Office for 17 years and in 1995 she and Dad moved to Cranbrook to retire. They were so happy to live in Cranbrook where there are four seasons and much milder weather than the Valley. During her retirement, Mom enjoyed decorating her home, crocheting, embroidery, sewing, crafts, shopping, travelling, and entertaining. Mom was country music's biggest fan (there was no one greater than George Jones) and went to concerts as often as she could! More than anything though, Mom lived for her family; she enjoyed spending as much time as she could with all of us. "Baba's" house was a second home for all of her grandchildren, whether it was having them come live with her while attending college, or just being a place to stop by while on a bike ride. Her door was always open and she would welcome anyone with open arms. She taught her grandkids to do things for themselves like cooking and sewing, and always did everything she could for them. She could be counted on at the drop of a hat to do anything her girls needed. She looked after our kids, babysat pets & houses, made countless family dinners (making enough to feed an army so we could all take home leftovers), acted as a substitute taxi service, was always there to listen, to laugh with, to cry with, to travel with, and to give advice if needed. Mom carried many burdens in her lifetime but she always did the best she could. She showed us what it means to be strong and independent, she taught us to be kind and to always do the right thing - she was our rock and our glue. Left to cherish her memory are her broken hearted family: Lynda Lindley (Kelly, Keuran & Hailey, Dion), Cindy Armstrong (Aaron, Kade, Darrien, Presley), Diedre Kilback (Calvin, Alyssa, Keian), and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mom was predeceased by her Mom and Dad, Alexander and Helen, brothers, Bill and Sam, sister, Mary, and husband, (our Dad) Bill. A private service was held Tuesday, November 4, 2014. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com