Mabel Enos of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2013.
Born June 7, 1918 to Olympia and John Gouvea. As a young girl, living in Somerville, Mabel adored her mother and loved every moment they shared together, laughing, dancing and cooking. Her father would go into the 'market' in Boston for fresh fish and bread. The memory of him coming home with all the 'goodies' and sharing the food (especially the fresh bread over a cup of hot tea) was a memory that remained vivid to her always.
Coming from a family of 7, with 2 brothers and 2 sisters, they did not have much money during those days of the 'Great Depression', but Mabel always remembered the fun of family. The many memories of going to the movies with her sister, Stella, where they spent many hours (after spending their nickel) watching the movie over and over again were so dear to her. There are so many stories that she shared s over the years. One of her favorites was when her sister, Stella, saw a $5.00 bill on the ground, on the way to the movies! They looked at each other in horror --- and delight --- as Mabel told her sister to very nonchalantly slap her foot over it to hide it from whoever may be watching! Stella did exactly that and they looked around with guilt and glee --- for the $5.00 bill had now been confiscated! This was considered a true 'miracle' to 2 young girls who rarely had that nickel to go to the movies! This story was embellished and told to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and actually anyone who loved to hear her stories; always bringing laughter with the sheer vision of it and the amazement of the times and the power of a found $5.00 bill!
Mabel was quite an artist. She loved to draw fashion and especially pictures of actors and actresses. As much as she would have loved going to art school, the cost was beyond her reach at that time. But she drew pictures of her relatives, her favorite actors, gowns and dresses and later in life a beautiful charcoal of her darling granddaughter, Kimberly.
It was during a church picnic that Mabel met her future husband, Frank Enos. He was handsome, charming and possessed a beautiful singing voice. She said he got her attention that day by crowing like a rooster! That must have been part of the magic as they shared 70 years of marriage, raising 3 daughters and enjoying a wonderful life in which they traveled all over. Their favorite place was Hawaii and they visited there 10 times, always anxious to return yet again. Mabel and Frank had such an active retirement life while members of the Methuen Senior Center and the Rainbow Club enjoying their many cherished friends. They truly had the 'American Dream' retirement!
For many years Mabel worked in Boston at Jordan Marsh as a salesgirl and loved her job; she said that is where she learned about fashion and those who knew Mabel will admit she took that lesson quite seriously and was a true believer in 'dressing appropriately' --- jeans were unheard of! Mabel always insisted on being well attired, hair done and make-up on, even if it included a stay at Lahey Clinic --- make-up and hair essentials went with her! Her favorite job at Jordan's (as it was called then) was when working at the 'Christmas Tree Shop' --- it was Mabel and Frank’s favorite holiday and it was there that they acquired their many Christmas decorations so proudly displayed inside and outside of their home.
It was Mabel’s sense of humor (so much like her own mother) that was so prominent; how she could find humor in every aspect of life! Her stories were priceless, her 'sayings' were well known to many. One of her favorites: "Oh the tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive" was heard often by her daughters, Sandra and Fran. She will be most remembered for her 'sociability', her sense of style and her sense of humor, all of which were remarkable. At 4'11" tall, people would comment on her petite size and ask her how tall she 'really' was and she would exclaim without hesitation, "I'm five feet eight!" Sandra always said her Dad gave her her work ethics and discipline, but her mother gave her a positive attitude and sense of humor.
Her siblings were John Gouvea, Jr., Maurice Gouvea, Mary Gouvea Burke and Stella Gouvea Costa. She was the devoted wife of the late Frank B. Enos for 70 years. Mabel was a memorable spark in the lives of her daughters, Sandra Enos Conwell of Wilmington and Frances Bowers of Port St. Lucie, FL. She also leaves her daughter, Joanne Spinelli.
Mabel absolutely adored her 2 granddaughters, Kimberly Hergenhahn and Lisa Melanson Conwell -- they brought such joy to her life. She also leaves, with much love, her grandsons, Mark Spinelli and Ross Spinelli, their wives, Jennifer and Maria and their darling children. She was 'GG' to her beloved Marisa and Sam and 'Grammy' to her darling Bradley and Danielle. She also leaves her dear sister-in-law and best friend Martha Pimentel, many nieces and nephews and the wonderful Mulholland family.
Family and friends will gather for visiting hours at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 374 Main St. Wilmington, on Friday, May 24th, from 4 thru 8 p.m. and again on Saturday morning, May 25th, at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral mass celebrated in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave, Wilmington, at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with burial at Wildwood Cemetery