Mabel Fennimore

Mabel E. Fennimore, age 89, passed away January 12, 2016, in Wasilla, Alaska. She was born in Wray, Colorado on January 22, 1926. After graduating from Queen Anne High School in 1944, Mabel worked on the Bremerton Ferry where she met the love of her life, Paul Fennimore. Paul and Mabel were married in 1945 in Seattle, Washington and upon his discharge from the Marine Corps moved to Mt. Angel, Oregon to make their home. In 1960 the family moved to Wrangell, Alaska. Mabel loved to fish and her pickled salmon and shrimp were in great demand.

Always an active member of the community with a devotion to children, Mabel served on Wrangell’s School Board, taught tap and ballroom dancing and in 1976 implemented the first “Safety Town” program for children in the state of Alaska serving as director for 14 years. A dedicated member of the American Legion Auxiliary since 1951 she held every office at the unit level, served as director of Alaska Girls State for three years, as well as serving as Alaska Department President and National Executive Committeewoman. Mabel worked 14 years as moderator for the State of Alaska Legislative Information Office. In 1994 Mabel was Wrangell’s Beta Sigma Phi “Woman of the Year”.

Moving to Wasilla’s Primrose Retirement Community in 2009, Mabel continued to enjoy quilting, puzzles, crafts of all kinds and spending time with her friends and family.

Mabel is survived by her sister, Bernice Engel; Daughter In-Law, Evi Fennimore; children Howard (Tonnie) Fennimore, of Sagle, Idaho, Sue (Bill) Moore of Palmer, Alaska, Laura (Bruce) Siggins of Vancouver, Washington and Jeannette (Kurt) Newcomb of Wasilla, Alaska. She also leaves 14 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and one great- great grandchild.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Fennimore; son, Ron Fennimore, and grandson, Alexander Newcomb

A funeral mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Wrangell, Alaska on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to a children’s charity of your choice. Due to Mabel’s love of puzzles feel free to donate a jigsaw puzzle to your local senior center or assisted living home in Mabel’s name.

A celebration of life will be held January 22, 2016 at Primrose Retirement Community at 2 p.m.