Whitman, Mabel

Mabel Beatrice Barone Whitman (6/14/1931 – 3/23/2022) was born in Providence, RI to Albert Barone, Sr. and Hazel Louise Lussier. Raised in an Italian-portugese neighborhood, she was nonetheless frequently called “Dago” or “WOP” (derogatory phrases directed at her Italian heritage). As a result of her exposure to racism at a young age, she supported equal rights for all and showed respect for the individual in every person she met. Mabel was a longstanding member of the Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Columbus. She retired from the hospitality industry (twice), having started her career as a waitress and moved up to become Catering

Director at various local Sheratons. After “retiring”, she spent her 70’s working in food service for the Columbus Public Schools for ten years. Her real passions were her grandchildren, Scrabble, reading, gardening, Boston Red Sox and Jim Thome. Throughout her illness, she maintained that “it’s not so bad” attitude we all know. Mom passed March 23, 2022, her three daughters at her side. By the end, her blue eyes had faded, her sparkle had diminished, but the flame that was our Mother still burned. She would not be diminished. She will be missed. She leaves to mourn, her beloved sister Anna Zimny, her daughters Karen (Lindsey) Morris, Elizabeth (Peter) Skove,

Gabrielle (Clark) Combs and sons Lance, John (Catherine Langley) and Jeff (Gennifer). Additionally, she leaves behind six heart-broken grandchildren, 5 great-grand children and many nieces and nephews. The family acknowledges her angel on Earth, Gwen Prince. Gwen provided so much more than hospice as mom grew more and more sick. Gwen loved mom and mom loved her right back. They were a fierce team! In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the your local Hospice/promedica branch or your local food bank to honor our mother and celebrate the inspiring life she led. Please visit WWW.SCHOEDINGER.COM for the complete obituary.