Women’s Army Corps WWII Hero Series
Mabel Jaques – WAC Nurse
Mabel’s Memoirs, Epilog
MY LIFE in the SERVICE:
By Karen A. Smith
After her husband, Frank, died in 1961, Mabel decided to move with her children back to her roots; the Detroit area. There, she had many family and friends to help her raise her children, if needed. Mabel never remarried; instead she focused on raising her 3 children and steering them toward college. At times she felt bad because she couldn’t contribute much to their college education. She would later say she was proud they found ways to pay for their own tuition with grants and loans, and worked hard to pay them off.
Even though she was an RN, she was told that if she wanted to keep her position as a public health nurse, she had to go to college to further her degree. She chose the University of Detroit’s night school. She took only one or two per semester. It was very tiring and sometimes she felt like quitting, but her children let her know they were there and always ready to help. Mabel decided to retire at the age of 65. She felt it was time to relax and enjoy life. She told herself often that she would retire in a warm climate. So, she bought a mobile home in Largo, Florida. She lived alone, but was very content, actually very happy. She had many neighbors and friends.
She kept herself busy at a local Catholic Church, Largo Recreation Center, Red Cross and at the retirement village where she resided. It wasn’t until she was in her 90’s that she suffered 2 strokes and would need to move to an assisted living facility. Her children were all living in Michigan and decided to move her closer to them. She now resides at South Lyon Senior Care where she enjoys Bingo, Checkers, being outdoors in the sunshine and especially eating ice cream. Mabel wrote in her memoir “As I approach the sunset years of my life, I thank God daily for watching over me and giving me such a full, happy and healthy life. While raising my children, I had many trials and tribulations as all families do, but my children have brought a lot of joy and happiness into my life. They made my life worth living. I tried to do my best in all ways in raising them. During our trying times I would keep this saying in mind, “This too shall pass.”
Yes, it has been a very full life for this wonderful proud woman who in February 2017 turned 100 years old. She has done many things and has seen the world. She was a widow at 43 and raised 3 college graduated children, has 6 beautiful grand- daughters and a daughter-in-law who all love her dearly.
Mabel Jaques, World War II Nurse, A True American Hero!
