Mrs Mabel Da Silva Lang

Mabel D. Lang was born the first and only daughter of five children to Felisberto and Maria da Silva on December 28, 1924. After a year of gradually deteriorating health she passed away peacefully in her home on December 14, 2020. Mabel attended the original Arcola Elementary School and graduated from Madera High in 1944. After attending San Jose State College Mabel worked for a short time at the Riverside Hotel in Reno then made her big move to San Francisco where she began a 45 year career as an accountant in the wholesale produce industry. It was while working at Allied Produce that she met the love of her life, Joseph Lang, the company controller and a former bantamweight boxer who competed in the 1932 Olympics. Mabel and Joe were married in 1959, a marriage that would last until Joe passed in 1990.

Mabel and Joe lived for many years in the Marina District of San Francisco often playing hosts to their young nieces and nephews who would travel from Madera to take in the excitement of the big city. Mabel and Joe were enthusiastic 49er fans who held seasons tickets at Candlestick Park and rarely missed a game. She kept those tickets for years and would remain a faithful 49er fan for her entire life. Mabel was also an animal lover, especially dogs, and on more than one occasion traveled to Utah to volunteer at an animal sanctuary.

After finally retiring Mabel returned to Madera in 2005 to be close to her family, reacquaint with old friends and make new friends. Although Mabel and Joe had no children they were always close and involved with their da Silva nieces and nephews, a large and often raucous brood in their younger years. Family was always the most important thing in Mabel’s life.

Mabel’s family extends their deep appreciation to her caregivers Linda Seniff, Shelly Seniff, and Veronica Lopez who not only provided excellent care but also friendship. It was these wonderful ladies who made it possible for Mable to remain in her home.

Mabel was preceded in death by her husband Joe, parents Felisberto and Maria, her brothers Lee and Mariano (aka: “Bones”), and her beloved nieces Marian di Silva and Kim da Silva. She is survived by her brothers Robert (Laura) and Tom (Mary), sisters-in-laws Janet di Silva and Anna da Silva and numerous nieces and nephews….both da Silva’a and Lang’s….who will always cherish their memories of “Aunt Mabel”.

In accordance with Mabel’s wishes a private family graveside service will be held.

Those who would like to make a donation in memory of Mabel are invited to support the Madera Community Hospital, P.O. Box 1328, Madera, CA 93638 or Friends of the Madera Animal Shelter, 25916 Ave. 17, Madera CA 93638.