Marvelous Auntie Mabel celebrates her 100th birthday

By Melissa Fili
MethuenLife Writer

For 100 years, Mabel Beshara has lived a life of creativity, beauty and love!

And the lifelong Methuenite was surrounded by just that at her surprise birthday party, hosted by her family last month at The Phoenician restaurant in Haverhill and attended by 40 family and friends.

“Auntie Mabel” was an accomplished business owner into her 90s and a fantastic golfer into her late 80s! She continues to be a wonderful friend and a beloved aunt.“We are her children. She didn’t have to get married,” explains Cheryl McQuillan, one of Mabel’s eight nieces and nephews. “We always go to her house, have a nice meal, just sit and chat.”

Mabel is known for her heart of gold. Relatives describe her as “a shining example of love and kindness,” “loving and generous,” “inspiring” and “the essence of family.”

Mabel was the youngest child in a family of eight that lived in the Glen Forest area off Lawrence Street.

“As a teenager, she began assisting her sister, Rosaline, who owned Rose Curtain Shop on White Street in Lawrence. While doing so she would experiment with different sewing techniques on the machines, learning intricate patterns and styles by taking apart samples and using them as her own patterns,” explains McQuillan. “When Rosaline was with child, Mabel took over the business knowing it was her calling. She eventually went on making custom draperies, bedspreads and slip covers.

“In the early ’70s, she moved to a larger space on Haverhill Street in Methuen. As the business thrived, Mabel’s sister Mamie and her sister-in-law Jay came on board and helped her with the business.”

Mabel “did tailor work, made drapes, did all the fancy intricate things – café curtains like ruffles,” McQuillan noted, adding that her aunt made custom draperies for Merrimack College’s various buildings when the campus was being constructed.

Mabel worked in her shop until about the age of 80, then worked out of her house … for another 19 years!

“She’s a smart lady – vibrant and full of personality, caring and loving to everyone – not just family,” says McQuillan. “She’s the love of our life!”

In addition to being a great golfer (she belonged to Indian Ridge Country Club and won a trip to the Bermuda for her hole-in-one!), cards was Mabel’s No. 1 pastime – 45s or special games.

“Her friends come over every week and play cards with her as well. They’ll have a meal – she’s very hospitable,” said McQuillan. “She’s a wonderful person. Everyone who meets her falls in love with her!”

She also belonged to St. Anthony’s Soldality and is an avid Red Sox fan who never misses a game.

McQuillan says they pulled off the surprise party, which brought her aunt to tears.

“She told us she’ll never forget this day. She was overwhelmed to see everyone together. Having the whole family there was just enough,” McQuillan said.