Mabelin Orintie Williams

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Mabelin Orintie Williams, a cherished mother, sister, friend, and community pillar, transitioned peacefully on December 5, 2024, at May Court Hospice in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 75.

Mabelin was born on July 3, 1949, in Spring Garden, St. Thomas, Jamaica, to Percival Williams and Hilda May Vernella Carr-Gordon. The eldest of ten children, she personified grit, love, resourcefulness, and hard work from an early age. Her roots in Jamaica remained a source of pride and inspiration throughout her life.

In 1969, Mabelin migrated to Canada with dreams of opportunity, service, and a commitment to supporting her family back home. She pursued her education at Algonquin College in Ottawa, graduating as a Nursing Aide. For over 30 years, she dedicated herself to caring for others at the Perley Hospital (now called Perley Health), leaving a legacy of compassion and excellence.

Mabelin's giving spirit was boundless. Whether through fostering children in transition through the Children's Aid Society or supporting grassroots initiatives in her home parish of St. Thomas, she lived out her belief in service to others, particularly those in need.

Her faith in God was steadfast, guiding her through life's trials and triumphs. She embraced her role as a loving mother to seven children, nurturing them with unwavering dedication, support, and wisdom. She was affectionately called "Rintie" by those who knew her back home, and her vibrant personality shone in her passions: gardening, gospel music, and a love for dance. She found joy in small pleasures, like watching the news or Home & Garden TV.

Now at rest, Mabelin is free with the ancestors and reunited in the embrace of her beloved grandmother, Alma. Her love, strength, and teachings remain etched in the hearts of all she touched.

Mabelin is survived by her children: Joan (Mark), Dwight, Audrey, Roselin, Natalie (Jason), and Zoe; her siblings: Annie, Lorenza, Mable, Bryan, Angella, Martin, and Milton; her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and dear friends. She is preceded in death by her daughter Maria and her siblings Veta and Pauline.

Public Visitations will occur at the Beechwood National Memorial Centre, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Monday, December 16, from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m.

A Celebration of Life in honour of Mabelin will occur on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, from 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. at the Beechwood National Centre. Those joining are encouraged to wear vibrant colours, especially red, Mabelin's favourite, in keeping with her wish for a joyful homegoing celebration.

Below is the flow of events on Tuesday, December 17

• Public Visitation from 12 - 12:45 p.m.
• Funeral Service at 1 p.m. in Beechwood's Sacred Space 
  • Those unable to attend in person are invited to register and attend via live stream.  
• Casket Committal Service & Burial at approximately 2 p.m.
• Reception 2:30-4:30 p.m. – in the Borden & Fleming Suites

In place of flowers, donations can be made in Mabelin's memory to:

• The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, designated to the Psychosocial Oncology Department Special Funds for Cancer Patients in Need. When making a gift online, the donor can use the column WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO DONATE to detail this designation.
  • For example, consider writing: "I would like my gift designated to the Psychosocial Oncology Department Special Funds for Cancer Patients in Need." The Ottawa Hospital Foundation ensures that any such designation under this heading is honoured. 
• Bilberry Creek Baptist Church 

Mabelin's life was a testament to love, service, and faith. May her soul find eternal peace and her legacy forever cherished.