Mabel Ann (Baer) DeAmaral

Mabel Ann ("Ann") DeAmaral, 88, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family and friends, on Friday, July 26th, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. Throughout her illness, Mabel Ann demonstrated remarkable bravery and unwavering faith in the Lord.

Born on November 13th, 1935, in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, Mabel Ann was the daughter of Joseph Baer and Kathryn (Hostetler) Baer, both of whom predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her beloved sister, Zetta (Baer) Powell, and her husband, John “Jack.” She is survived by her brother, Gary Baer, and his wife Peggy.

A graduate of Meyersdale High School, class of 1953, Mabel Ann joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954, where she met the love of her life, George DeAmaral. They were married on November 10th, 1956. After living briefly in Alaska, they settled in Massachusetts. George preceded her in death in 2015.

Mabel Ann was primarily a devoted stay-at-home mother. Once her children had grown, she later worked for the Marriott Corporation and at The Country Dairy (formerly located on Route 44 in Rehoboth) with her treasured “Sanitary Sister,” friend and owner Carol Petzold, and her late husband, Paul.

Mabel Ann's passions included traveling, especially to her "home" in Pennsylvania, attending gospel concerts, and visiting Tennessee. Growing up in a musical family, she was a talented guitar player and singer who also wrote her own music. She was an ardent fan of Elvis Presley, dedicating an entire room in her house to him, filled with collectibles, pictures, and memorabilia. Her favorite gospel bands were Mark 209 and the Blackwood Gospel Quartet.

A long-time member of Memorial Baptist Church in Seekonk, MA, Mabel Ann served on the Deacon Board, as a Sunday School Teacher, and was an active participant in the Women's Fellowship, as well as the Bell and Vocal Choirs. She was also a dedicated member of the Senior Citizen's Club and the American Legion Post #0302 of Rehoboth, MA. Mabel Ann was actively involved in volunteering within her church, the local school system, and the community, giving generously to numerous charities, including the USO, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, The Jimmy Fund, among many others.

Mabel Ann's greatest love was her family. She is survived by her four children: Daniel DeAmaral and his wife Michele of Lincoln, RI; Dennis DeAmaral and his wife Suzanne of Rehoboth, MA; Douglas DeAmaral and his wife Nancy of St. Albans, VT; and Kathryn DeAmaral of North Dighton, MA. She treasured her eight grandchildren: Emily, Danielle, Maddie, Carissa, Melissa, Dylan, Cecilia, and Mya, as well as her six great-grandchildren: Penelope, Nora, Peter, Ingrid, Winter, and Eli.

Known for her endless kindness, Mabel Ann formed countless friendships and could converse with anyone she met. She was predeceased by her best friend of many years, Ruth Kirylo, in 1990, and later by the “Thelma” to her “Louise,” Anne Slater, in 2023. She loved life and relished watching her children and grandchildren perform in school productions, sporting events, and extracurricular activities. She never missed a dance recital, school play, theater performance, or graduation.

Mabel Ann DeAmaral's presence will be profoundly missed by all who knew her. Her memory will be treasured, and her legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire those who were fortunate to have known her.

Her funeral will begin on Saturday, August 3rd at 8:45 am from the REBELLO FUNERAL HOME, 901 Broadway, East Providence, RI, followed by a Funeral Service at 10 am at Memorial Baptist Church, 340 Central Avenue, Seekonk, MA. Burial with Military Honors will be at the Rehoboth Village Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 2nd, from 5-8 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Memorial Baptist Church in Seekonk, MA, in memory of Mabel Ann DeAmaral. Contributions can be made at https://www.mbcseekonk.com/donate.

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