Mabel (Ridley) Love, 92; Long-Time Enfield Area Resident Who Had a Creative Spirit, Interest in Genealogy

From Leete-Stevens Family Funeral Homes & Crematory.

Mabel (Ridley) Love, 92, of Canal Road, Suffield, formerly of Thompsonville Road, died Wed. (Feb. 18) at the Johnson Memorial Hospital in Stafford.

Mabel was predeceased by her beloved husband, Andrew E. Love Jr., who died in 2002.

Born in Boston, MA, a daughter of the late Kenneth and Dorothy (Fish) Ridley, she had been a resident of the Enfield and Suffield communities for most of her life and was a member of the Calvary Presbyterian Church in Enfield. Prior to her retirement in 1989, she had worked with her late husband at the former Carpet Products, Inc. in Hartford. Previously, Mabel had been employed with Hamilton-Sunstrand for several years and before her marriage, she was employed as a nurse with the Travelers Insurance Co.

When her children were young, Mabel served as a Cub Scout & Brownie Leader. She was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star Ionic Chapter #100, a 60 year member and Past Regent of the Penelope Terry Abbey Chapter of the DAR, a member of the Charter Oak Chapter of the Colonial Dames XVII Century, and a member and Past President of the Hartford Colony of the National Society of New England Women.

Through her grandmother’s encouragement and direction, Mabel began her genealogy research at the age of 16 and continued this endeavor throughout her life. She was a member of the Western Massachusetts Genealogy Society, the Connecticut Genealogy Society and the Suffield Historical Society.

She also had a creative spirit and enjoyed oil painting, knitting, sewing, crochet and embroidery. A caring person, she served as caregiver to several family members and also had children from Bermuda, who wanted an American education, living with her for many years.

Mabel is survived by her four children: Andrew Love and his wife, Michelene, of Suffield, Dorian Taylor and her husband, Vernon, of Suffield, Sandra Gabbert and her husband, Carl, of Raynham, MA and Frederick Brian Love and his wife, Susan, of Somers; her brother, Kenneth Ridley and his wife, Nancy, of Cotuit, MA; seven grandchildren: Wendy Taylor and her companion, David Callegari, Stephen Gabbert and his wife, Amanda, Daniel Taylor and his wife, Heather, Karen Gabbert Armand and her husband, Thomas, Michael Love and his wife, Christie, Edward Love and his wife, Kelly, and Louis Taylor; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her sister, Edith “Edie” Dilello.

Her family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the entire staff, especially the “B” wing staff, at the Suffield House for the exceptional care they extended to Mabel.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday (Feb. 28) at 10:00 a.m. at the Calvary Presbyterian Church, 1518 King St., Enfield. Burial will be in the Thompsonville Cemetery, Enfield. There are no calling hours.

Mabel’s family has suggested that in lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be in the form of memorial donations to Shriners’ Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104 or the Penelope Terry Abbey DAR, c/o Treasurer, 28 Taft Lane, Enfield, CT 06082