Mabelle "Mae" Chance

Mabelle Irene Beales Chance (Mae), passed away peacefully on January 3, 2020 at Orchard
Creek Supportive Care. She was born on September 30, 1920 in Detroit, Michigan, only child of
William Harry and Irene Rieden Beales.
Mabelle always spoke of a happy childhood in Detroit with many friends and relatives. She
graduated from Western High in 1938, after which she attended U of Southern California and
later Wayne State University. She earned a B.A in Education and later an M.A in Special
Education. Mabelle started her teaching career in Birmingham, Mi, and later taught for many
years in the Detroit Public Schools. Her last 16 years in Education were spent teaching Special
Ed as well as developing Special Ed curriculum for the Detroit Public Schools. In addition to
teaching, she and her husband were very active as volunteers for the Detroit Association for
Retarded Citizens.
Whenever Mabelle had free time, she loved to be around water. She and her husband built a
home on East Bay (Lake Michigan) in 1979, and enjoyed lake living throughout their retirement
years.
She loved to travel and had many interesting adventures. They included a trip to the Orient,
travel throughout Europe, as well as various destinations across the United States. Many
winters were spent in Clearwater Beach, Florida, a favorite vacation spot.
She is survived by her son Randolph, daughter Claudia (Warren Jones), three grandchildren,
and three great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph H. Chance
Jr., son Joseph H. Chance III, and grandson Aaron Chance.
Arrangements are being handled by Reynolds-Jonkhoff funeral home. An online memorial
website is located at reynolds-jonkhoff.com. A private family ceremony will be held at a later
date. Burial at Ogdensburg Cemetery, Traverse City, Michigan.