Contributions to the tribute of Jacqueline Gem Mahabir

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Jacqueline Gem Mahabir

1934 - 2022

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Ian McElgunn posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, October 21, 2022

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I yesterday reminisced with my brother (he remembers the past much better than any in our family); we cheerfully recalled these positive events during the early-1970s. The newly arrived mysterious Mahabir family, seen in our neighbourhood by some neighbours at that time as a unique. A new type of family integrating into the area. They had purchased, then moved into an elevated middle upper class outside corner residence, on to our predominantly Anglo-Saxon, or in our case, Protestant sleepy dead-end Street, in St. Bruno Québec. A warm Sunday after the Mahabir’s moving-in day, our family The McElgunn’s, still wearing our church Sunday-best, walked dutifully down Grey Street towards our mysterious new neighbour’s household. This apparently was to be a courteous learning moment for us kids, it absolutely was. I remember anxiously carrying mom’s generationally epic (still is!) apple pie, thrust out from my chest, carried like a formal guard. “Hut hut hut” I sarcastically mouthed boomingly. My wee sis (Jenny) giggling innocently, mimicking my exaggerated straight-legged movements. I was rebelliously insinuating we poor kids were being unfairly force-marched, in our increasingly uncomfortable parade uniforms this Sunday. We did observe, on the way, some of the nosier neighbours were taking more than a passive interest in our procession. Possibly alerted by my brave rallying of my younger siblings, turning them into an impromptu insurrectionist mini mob. "Everything appears shipshape here sir" I voiced, looking directly at my father, his face a bit redder than it usually was. I motioned dutifully with my head towards at the neatly folded and stacked cardboard moving boxes at the edge of the property, gathered perfectly taut with tied twine. My father shushed me, more insurrectionist group giggling, as we advanced up the mysterious new neighbours’ driveway purposely. The initial hesitant shy gaze-averting awkward open welcoming introductions are a bit blurry in my memory. I do remember, the polite nudging from my mother, then me shyly lifting to Mrs. Mahabir my mom's pie. Jacqueline smiled as she leans forward, making sure she locked with my eyes, as she soulfully thanked me. I took Jaclyn's rolling royal tone and look, to insinuate that I may had baked the pie myself, I’m sure I blushed. Eventually, my brother and I were pleased to find two equally hesitant, yet ultimately friendly boys around our approximate ages, (Nigel and David) we easily became friends. Our parents did the same. The next week, Mr. Mahabir decided to attempt to teach us boys the fundamentals of some sport not exactly baseball, called cricket. We set up just on the inside corner in front of the Mahabir's house, there was plenty of room in this wide turn area. Listening to Mr. Mahabir's introductory speech, it became clear to everyone in the area that this was a serious game. The growing dramatic pressure was palatable, as Mr. Mahabir in a very dignified Trinidadian proper-English tone alluded to something to the extent of… we were young Canadian ambassadors, apparently about to be granted an introduction to the greatest sport in the Commonwealth, ok…well how grand! I remember Jaclyn, came out to watch, standing casually in her front yard a content smile on her face. The sounds of laughter, along with the transitional summer breeze elevating us all on grey St. that sunny afternoon. Not long after, Andrew and Robbie, and some of the other kids from the houses in the area came running out of their houses, and we introduced them to Nigel and David. All joined in Mr. Mahabir's improvised street cricket workshop. It was confusing fun, Harold assigned positions, and tried desperately to keep the intricacies of Cricket manageable among our easily distracted minds. I remember learning how to hold the cricket bat properly, getting the grip was difficult, but we all got it eventually. We neighbourhood kids continually fluffed up even the basics of the somewhat confusing sport. I noticed Jaclyn began giggling as she watched us hopelessly run in all the wrong directions, lightly agitating Mr. Mahhabir’s originally patient jolly mood, bit by bit. Eventually Harold's handmade rudimentary looking cricket bats, began to break on either pavement or ball. Until there was just one, sitting by the roadside, Harold went to fetch it. Jaclyn, walked to the bat and picked it up and handed it to her husband, she smiled and gave him what I imagine were some encouraging words. They both laughed at, what I believe was, a humorous shared observation, before he returning to street full of us almost un-herdable cats. Mr. Mahabir walked to the bowler position, holding his bat up high, he turned in a circle as he made his point. This was his favourite, we could all see that he had painted this one, and there was a sticker crest of some unknown team just below the handle. certainly, this one was somehow special, certainly stronger? It splintered spectacularly, on the first ball Mr. Mahabir bowled himself. Sending colourful wood pieces all over the roadway. We were all immediately stunned silent, until we heard then saw, Jaclyn bent over, laughing heartedly, we all in unison joined in. Mr. Mahabir simply stood in silent dismay, staring down at the mess. I understand now, Harold's cricket bat workmanship (to him only) apparently was in question. Jaclyn evidently saw this in the moment and was supportably sharing/enjoying her beloved’s melancholy. Harold, gathered the pieces then walked solemnly, head down towards his driveway, adding the remains of three or four of his other exploded cricket bat creations. He was shaking his head, muttering something incoherent under his breath, as he began plodding up the driveway towards his work shed. I remember watching this thinking Jaclyn was being somewhat respectful, as I saw she turned away from her husband to hide her still smiling face. Harold’s head, down still muttering to himself, he stopped have way up, glanced in her direction nodding his head knowingly. we could all see her shaking from her continued supressed giggling. Harold stood upright looking at his wife’s shaking back shoulders he stated, “oh you are enjoying this aren't you.” Jacqlyn, Not turning around leaned forward and raised her hands to her mouth, then simply nodded her head up and down quickly. Harold, after a short pause. chuckled softly himself. He continued to walk up the driveway, laughing louder and even with joy, with every quickened step. I have always thought that moment was special. Today I choose to believe it is an example of a successful loving marriage. Each partner grows to respect each other's egos and knows that there is no ill meaning in their fun play laughter, just loving understanding of the others temporary frustration. I could tell both Jaclyn and Harold were enjoying the day as well as all the kids were. The Mahabir’s family's beginning here on our beloved Grey Street was unique yet quickly became familiar. Their family fit in well with our silly fun street, but was always closest with our family, and we maintain a respectful friendly relationship to this day.

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Nigel Mahabir Posted Oct 21, 2022 at 6:48 PM

Thanks for this lovely memory of Mom and Dad, Ian - they were truly the love of each other's lives and I think you witnessed that on that day. Those were some beautiful days for our young family Nigel

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Barbara McElgunn posted a condolence

Friday, October 21, 2022

Jacqueline had been a best friend since I met her when the Mahabir family moved to our street in St. Bruno Quebec in the seventies, and then moved to Toronto shortly after we did. She and Harold became our close friends , and after Harold died Jacki came to visit us at the cottage near Magog. . I will always remember the trip we made to Quebec City, seeing the sights, eating well, looking for a building we never found, and having such a laugh about it. Later on Jacqueline, and friend Lillian, and I managed to enjoy the winter months walking on trails with the "Mature Adult Day" (MAD) group here in West Hill, - a walk, lunch and speaker group . I still miss those great days .. Jacqueline and I had many conversations about religion, politics and current news, mostly our views were in sync, and it helped when we were both concerned about something. , I will always remember my dear friend, Our sympathies to all the Mahabir family. Barbara McElgunn

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Joanne Namsoo posted a condolence

Wednesday, October 19, 2022

Our heartfelt condolences to all the family. Jacqueline was a very special someone. Some very happy memories have come flooding back -- from San Fernando years, and then since re-connecting with her in Toronto 35 years later. We will remember her with love, and for the warm, welcoming, fun, interesting and delicious times we spent with her. Joanne and Juergen

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Nicole Posted Oct 20, 2022 at 9:03 AM

Thank you Joanne. You and Juergen were very special to Mom and our whole family.

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Mary Lynn Carrier lit a candle

Monday, October 17, 2022

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Dear Alex and family. Our deepest condolences to the Mahabir family. The wonderful memories will be cherished forever, keep her spirit alive and will soon ease the pain of losing your mom.

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Alexandra Mahabir Posted Oct 18, 2022 at 1:58 PM

Thank you for your kind words, Min.

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Deborah Elliott posted a condolence

Monday, October 17, 2022

Nicole and family, I have a real sense of your mom through the stories shared here. I can imagine the space she leaves in your lives, and I am so sorry for your loss. I haven't worked with you long Nicole, but the warmth of your mom that has been described here, is mirrored in your energy. She lives on in each of you who loved her. Sincere condolences, Deborah Elliott

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Nicole Posted Oct 18, 2022 at 8:46 AM

Thank you so much Deborah - your support and kind words are greatly appreciated, by me and my family. Nicole

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Joy Dubé uploaded photo(s)

Saturday, October 15, 2022

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