EASTON, Maine – “Her children arise up and call her blessed” Proverbs 31:28
Mabel Hazel Drost Tompkins graced this world for the first time on December 26, 1923, in Kincardine, New Brunswick, Canada.
She was the second of two daughters born to loving parents John Henry Drost and Margaret Hazel (Davidson) Drost. She would spend many hours, when her children were young, entertaining them with her favorite memories of growing up over in “The Provence”. Her recollections were always amusing and filled with stories of antics of family and friends that always made us wish we had been there to enjoy them with her. She spoke often of the love extended by her mother and father, always expressed how much she missed them and wished her children had been able to know them as she had.
Mabel was married to Herman Doran Tompkins on January 30, 1945. They spent most of their lives residing in Easton, Maine. Together, they managed to propagate no less than eight of the best looking children in the northeast. In order of birth they are; Dana, Helene, Gary, Ronald, Linda, Sharon, Wanda, and Carol. These eight bundles of joy were not only to be Mabel’s legacy but the focal point in her life. There was no woman on earth more devoted to being a mother than she was. Her dedication and love shone brightly through her actions toward the family every single day. Mabel unwittingly displayed the character of God in that she never swayed from being there for the people who needed and loved her. Her devotion was unwavering and, although a quiet woman by nature, she would fiercely defend her children without hesitation.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her only sister Gertrude Lloyd and her husband Clayton; the father of her children, Herman Tompkins; two sons, Dana and Gary; and son-in-law Peter Brown.
She is survived by six of her children; Helene Ouellette (husband Tom), Ron, Linda LeVasseur (husband Phil), Sharon Brown, Wanda Nadeau (husband Norm) and Carol Taylor (husband Geoffrey), along with six grandchildren; Kris, Dustin, Sarah, Tyler, Marci, and Katie. We must not forget the much loved eight great-grandchildren. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews on the Canadian side of the border.
Mabel’s (Mom’s) life was an incredible godsend to our family. Though we can longer call or visit her like we used to, we will cherish her in our thoughts endlessly. We can laugh, cry or just contemplate the sheer privilege it has been to have shared our lives in the shadow of her strength, love and selflessness. Her quick laughter, practical advice, and wit will be deeply missed. Perhaps the best way to honor her memory would be to pay a small part of ourselves forward in the form of a kind deed, say a prayer for one who is hurting or just be a steady friend to someone who is lonely. She would like that.
From all whose lives you have graciously touched, we will never forget you and will treasure you always. Though we have had to bid farewell for now, we simply say, “Good night our sweet mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. God reward you abundantly in His presence and we’ll see you in the morning.
“And now abides faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13
A graveside service will be scheduled at a later date at Pine Tree Cemetery in Easton.
