EAST MACHIAS – Mabel B. Small, 97, passed away Dec. 18, 2004, at Courtland Health Care Facility in Ellsworth, after a brief illness. She was born May 17, 1907, in Machiasport, the daughter of the late Irving Sr. and Gracie M. (Colbeth) Bangs. Her family later settled in Machias, where she graduated from Machias High School. In 1924, she attended, then called, the Machias Normal School. In 1925, she married Donald W. Small and settled in East Machias. Her life centered around home and family, giving of her many talents. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of East Machias, a soloist in the choir, as well as in the community. She was first president of the Down East Community Hospital Auxiliary, and was past matron and life member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a lifetime member of the Hannah Weston Chapter of the D.A.R. and a charter member of the Maude E. Kingsley Literary Club of East Machias. She was a member of the Machias Homemakers Extension Group, one which was particularly interesting to her. She was an officer in the local and State Federations of Woman’s Club. She was a past president of the Byron McPheters Garden Club in Machias and won numerous awards in flower arranging. In 1969, she took painting lessons, and later became a member of what was then the Bangor Art Society. She was an accomplished local artist and used more than one media and varied subject matter. During her career of 25 years, she gave paintings to family and friends, and in 2003, 17 were presented to the University of Maine as a tribute to her beloved community. She is survived by daughters, Barbara B. Sutherland of Ellsworth and Deborah J. Geel and husband, Terry, of East Machias; sons, Robert E. Small and wife, Roberta, of Brewer, and Albert L. Small and wife, Beverly, of Surry; daughter-in-law, Christine Small of East Machias; 24 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Lilith Bangs of Machias; dear friend of more than 70 years, Helen Winslow, of Machias, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Donald W. Small; daughter, Nancy L. Murray of Acton, Mass; son, Donald W. Jr. of East Machias; and two granddaughters, Christie Murray of Maynard, Mass. and Karen Small of East Machias; and a grandson, Bill Sutherland Jr. of Houston, Texas. Visiting hours will take place 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2004, at the First Congregational Church of East Machias. A funeral service will immediately follow at 3 p.m. officiated by the Rev. Edwin Randall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the First Congregational Church of East Machias, P.O. Box 222, East Machias, ME 04630. Arrangements are under the care of Bragdon-Kelley-Campbell Funeral Home, Machias.
MABEL B. SMALL
