Mabel E. Duke

Racine – Mabel E. Duke, 98, passed away at Ridgewood Care Center on Wednesday, June 23, 2010. Mabel was born in Hastings, NE on November 13, 1911 daughter of Floyd and Vanessa (nee, Smith) Summers. She was joined in marriage to William T. Duke on July 12, 1958. Mabel was in sixth grade at the time she moved to Racine and went to Jefferson School, then McKinley Jr. High and Park High School. She graduated in 1929, the first graduating class from Park High School and is a member of the Park Hall of Fame. She then went to vocational school and took bookkeeping and typing, but could not get a job. She took housekeeping jobs, doing everything, washing, ironing and cooking. But with her mother’s help she learned to cook. She retired in 1979 from St. Luke’s Hospital as supervisor of the dietary department after 25 years. Mabel was an active member of Faith United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir and was a liturgist. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women. Mabel was a member of the Southeastern Wisconsin Emmaus Community and volunteered for St. Luke’s Hospital and Harmony Club at her church. Mabel was well known for her singing ability and as recently as April 2nd of this year she enjoyed singing solo as part of the Good Friday ecumenical worship service at Sienna Center. Mable was a loving and caring person to a multitude of family and friends. Mabel is survived by her sister-in-law, Poncella Risiner; cousin, George (Ethel) Smith of Racine; God-son, James Gary of Rochester Hills, MI; four grand-nieces and grand-nephews,; and a host of other relatives and many friends. Funeral services for Mable will be held at Faith United Methodist Church, 1013 Harmony Drive, on Tuesday, June 29, 2010 at 11 a.m. A private inurnment will take place at Graceland Cemetery. Relatives and friends may gather for a visitation at the funeral home on Monday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until the time of services. Memorials may be directed to Faith United Methodist Church. A special thanks is extended to the many caregivers and friends at St. Monica’s and Ridgewood Care Center for all of the friendship, care and compassion shown to Mabel.