Obituary of Mable R Tranum

Mabel R. Tranum, 95, Sinclairville, passed away peacefully at home on April 22, 2025, surrounded by people who loved her deeply. Born in Russell, PA, on June 14, 1929, Mabel Tranum, was one of eight children -- growing up with two brothers and five sisters. At 14, Mabel left home to work at the General Electric Plant in Erie, PA. It was there she met her future husband, Hugh Tranum Sr., who was working for Western Union removing telegraph wires and poles. They were married on June 26,1948. The pair eventually moved to Kitzmiller, MD, his hometown, where he returned to coal mining. Their son, Hugh Tranum Jr. was born there in 1950. When the mines closed, the family moved north, first to Canton, OH, and then to Jamestown, NY. Mabel worked at WCA Hospital and several local hotels before settling into a long-term role at Immanuel Lutheran Church. As church sexton, she cared for the building and was responsible for all the church publications for nearly 30 years. During her time there, she made many friends and mentored many employees. For over 40 years, Mabel also loved working part-time in Chautauqua Institution with the Rappole family. At 82, she finally decided it was time to retire from her role there. Always active, Mabel also made ceramic pieces and walking puppets, selling her handcrafted items at craft shows for many years. For over three decades, she made chocolates for friends and family, and just this past Christmas -- with a little help -- she made over 1,000 pieces of candy as gifts. In 1985, Mabel and her husband moved in Sinclairville to be closer to their son and his family. She loved spending time with family and friends. Mabel cherished the trips she went on with family members and the winters she spent in Florida with her sister, JoAnn. For many years Mabel enjoyed weekly swimming at the Boys & Girls Club, her Tuesday morning breakfast group, weekly bible study, and outings with the area senior citizen groups. At 95 years old, she still loved mowing her lawn. Mabel volunteered at the Sinclariville ’76ers luncheon site for several years, and up until a week before her passing, attended as often as she could, enjoying the meals and socializing. She also loved to crack dozens of eggs each year for the Sinclairville Heritage Day pancake breakfast. She will be lovingly remembered by son, Hugh Tranum Jr; daughter-in-law, Donna Tranum, grandchildren, Todd Tranum (Sarah Barnett) and Sarah Tranum (Olga Kusztelska); great- grandchildren, Kelsea (Ryan) Fitzpatrick, Lawton Tranum, Maddie Becker, and Anna Tranum; and great-great grandchildren, Calvin and Oliver Fitzpatrick; sisters, JoAnn Below and Kay Coy along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Tranum Sr.; sisters, Delores Bunting, Ethel Peters, and Joan Pattison; and brothers, Harry and Edward Sanborn.