Mabel Cecelia Ketterer

Mabel Cecelia (McCormick) Ketterer, 88, of Lafayette, peacefully left his world on August 29, 2024, at her home.

Mabel was born August 22, 1936, in Brooklyn, NY. She was the daughter of the late Eugene and Mabel (Robinson) McCormick. She was a graduate of Jefferson High School in Brooklyn, NY. Mabel met her husband Robert at a Roller Rink, named “The Gay Blades” in Brooklyn, NY while he was serving in the United States Navy. After a brief courtship, Robert proposed to her via a telegram on February 14, 1955. The couple were married a few months later on June 11, 1955, and had just celebrated 69 years together. Mabel was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker until her youngest child started school and then Mabel enjoyed working outside the home. Many life-long friendships were made while working. She always had a special friend that she would pray a little extra for, she often prayed for the sick and lonely. Mabel loved to chat with you on the phone when you were feeling a bit down and always gave the best advice.

A devoted Catholic, Mabel was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral. She loved God and all that he created. Mabel enjoyed family events, dinners, and celebrations. She loved to play Bingo on Wednesday evenings and made many friendships there. Mabel worked for Brown Rubber Company, Andover Coil, Duff’s Restaurant, Judi’s Catering, Howard Johnson’s and the Radison Hotel. Mabel begrudging retired at the age of 72, but still continued to cook. You could always find Mabel and Robert making cookies, tons of food, and side dishes for every occasion. Mabel often had requests from friends and family for favorite dishes, recipes, or instruction. She would always start with “It’s really quite simple”. Mabel and Robert were known for their caramel’s, world famous cream horns (which were requested by every grandchild at graduations and weddings). Mabel always made tasty trays of cookies and candy for the holidays and would always take some to the kids that worked at the bank. She made elaborate sweet tables for weddings and her granddaughter’s graduations.

Mabel never knew a stranger and loved everyone. She had extra love for those who needed a bit more mothering. She was a second mother to countless people, which was a special compliment for a special lady whose children were proud and happy to share her motherly love with others.

Along with her husband of 69 years, Robert Ketterer, she is survived by her son, Ronald (Kim) Ketterer; daughter, Cathie (Steve) Preston; son, Robert (Sherry) Ketterer Jr.; and daughter, Kelley (Brian) Brouwer; 7 grandchildren, Erin (Josh) Parrish, Ashley (Buddy) Balser, Beth (Shane Hyman) Brouwer, Morgan (Noah Kiger) Preston, and Blair Brouwer; 2 great-grandchildren, Ethan Shaffer, and Baileigh Lehnen; sister, Catherine Seminerio; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Mabel; her brother, Eugene McCormick; and her sister, Janet McCarthy.

Memorial contributions in Mabel’s name may be given to St. Mary’s Cathedral or to the American Heart Association, American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or at www.heart.org

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Soller-Baker, Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, IN 47909.

Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, September 6, 2024, at Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception, 1207 Columbia Street, Lafayette, IN 47901.

Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 2122 Old Romney Road, Lafayette, IN 47909.

Share memories and leave condolences at www.soller-baker.com