Mabel Enger Norland was born March 12, 1908, in Brewster, Minnesota.  She was the youngest of ten children of Norwegian immigrants Anna Halverson and Ole Peder Norland.

With the tragic death of her mother when Mabel was only five, early in her life, she became quite accomplished in the kitchen preparing all things delicious.  By the age of 13, she was preparing meals for the entire Norland family and for all the workers on her dad's farm.

In 1926, she moved to Broken Bow, Nebraska and worked for her brother Harry Norland's Golden Rule Store which led to a lifetime of success in the retail trade.

In 1928, Mabel met Edward Lowder at a community dance in Broken Bow and they were married on November 9, 1930.  The couple lived in Broken Bow for 40 years and their two children, Joe and Judy were born there. Mabel worked at Holcomb Drug Store for many years, and in 1956, she opened a coffee shop in the front of her home next door to Ed Lowder's Texaco Service Station. Mabel was a one-woman wonder as she baked and served breakfasts and lunches.

In 1960, Mabel and Ed opened the Davis Paint Store in Broken Bow which they operated together for ten years. After selling their store, in 1971 they moved to Burien, Washington, where, at the age of 63, Mabel became the manager of Margy's Dress Shop. She was active in Lake Burien Presbyterian Church, as a volunteer at Highline Hospital, as manager of the Wesley Terrace Treasure Shop, and doing clothing alterations for Wesley residents and several area dress shops.

Throughout her life, Mabel was appreciated for her many talents including baking scrumptious pies, cookies, and brownies for many friends, for her remarkable knack for entertaining at a moment's notice, for her prowess with a needle and thread, and for her competitive play at the Bridge table.

But above all else, Mabel was known as a generous, always considerate, classy lady. Everyone was welcome at Mabel's table and her warmth enveloped you from the moment you stepped into her home. Those who were blessed to know her marveled at her grace, poise, courage, and indomitable spirit.

Mabel is preceded in death by her husband Ed and one great granddaughter, Zoey Vidal Christensen.  She is survived by a grateful family: son Joe (and wife Patti) Lowder of Mesa, Arizona; daughter Judy Vidal of Rapid City, South Dakota; four grandsons: Greg (and wife Cathy) Lowder of Bellevue, Washington; Brus (and wife Sheila) Vidal of McConnell AFB, Wichita, Kansas; Jason Lowder of Satellite Beach, Florida; Matthew (and wife Ellen Christensen) Vidal of Madison, Wisconsin; one great granddaughter, Coral Vidal; and a host of friends.

Memorials may be made to Wesley Homes Circle of Concern, 816 South 216th Street, Des Moines, Washington 98198.