Rosemary Abell
September 22, 1931 ~ June 27, 2015
Rosemary Abell, age 83, died after a brief illness, surrounded by family, friends and the caring staff at Hospice House in Callaway, Maryland on June 27, 2015.
Born September 22, 1931 in Washington D. C., she moved to St. Mary’s County as a youth and attended St. Mary’s Academy in Leonardtown. There she met and ultimately married her high school sweetheart Joseph W. “Joe Dick” Abell on January 3, 1951. They were married for 49 years before his death in July 1999.
Our parents both loved their Catholic faith and sent us to Catholic schools even though it was somewhat of a financial burden to them. Mom loved of the Blessed Mother to us and said The Holy Rosary each day for our family intentions.
Rosemary loved life on the water. Many happy days were spent on our pier fishing and crabbing. She looked forward to the first crabs of the season and savored every bite with a special mayonnaise and Old Bay™ family-secret crab dip.
And each summer for as long as we can remember, we all visited Ocean City to watch the beautiful waves and take in the wonder of God’s creation.
Rosemary loved spending time with her large boisterous family. Everyone she knew could always count on her for supportive and witty conversation. She encouraged us all to “bloom wherever we’re planted” and strive to be our best.
Rosemary enjoyed reading, working the daily Washington Post ™ crossword puzzle, and feeding her song birds. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved music.
However, her proudest achievement was working as a Daycare Provider for over 35 years. Known as “Nanny” to many, she loved it when her “daycare kids” returned to her side to update her on their lives. She truly loved them all and they became extended family to us.
Rosemary’s children include Rick Abell (Denise) of Sterling Heights, Michigan, Kathy Wells (Dale) of Marbury MD, Suzanne O’Connor (Brian) of Annandale VA, Mary Johnson (Danny) of Hollywood MD, Chris Abell (Charlotte) of Fort Washington MD.
Rosemary was blessed with 6 amazing Grandchildren. She loved Prudence, Becca, Ethan, Elizabeth, Ian, and Tyler with all her heart. Her 5 lovable great-Grandchildren River, Rosemary Clementine, Calliope, Rain, and Asher were a great joy to her.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church 21370 Newtown Neck Road Leonardtown MD on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens at 26325 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown MD 20650.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House, Hospice of St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 625 Leonardtown MD 20650.
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To Rebecca and the Entire Family; Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother and Grandmother. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort. Your family and friends bring you strength and my Ms. Abell rest in the Arms of Angels. I will keep you all in my prayers. Sending love and hugs. Bobbi Magee
Rebecca Ann,
I am so sorry to hear of your Grandmother’s passing. I only met her once but I know from your stories that she was a wonderful, sweet woman. My thoughts and prayers to your family at this difficult time.
Wille, myself, Hannah and Ally send special thoughts to you all. “Nanny” was a special, loving and wonderful woman and was an important person to our family. She cared for Hannah and Ally as if they were her own children. Ally was her last baby and I was so very grateful that she was happy to take that 1 last baby for me. There would have no one else that could have done the job she did. We miss her. She had a wonderful life. The Willenborg family.
To The Abell Family: Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers as we remember “Nanny Abell” at this time that God has called her home. Such a wonderful and caring woman who dedicated her life to taking care of her family and the children of so many, many families over the years. Her love of children was surely evidenced by the devotion and love she shared with all of those in her care. You only need to look at each of those children, now adults, to see a little bit of “Nanny” in each of them. And like our daughter Shannon, we know that they each hold a special place in their hearts for their beloved “Nanny Abell”. She can now rest in the comforts of heaven.
We would like to express our deepest sympathy. May it help you to know that the hearts of others are deeply touched by your loss. Even though our hearts ache, we can find comfort in the God of all comfort whose is near to those with a broken heart.
( Psalms 34:18)
So sorry for your loss Rosemary was a wonderful Lady And will be missed by all Please accept my Condolence and prayers and may the Lord give Peace and comfort to the family
God Bless
My heartfelt condolences To Rosemary’s family and friends… You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Rosemary was a sweet lady and will be missed by all. Heaven has a new angel.
I was so sorry to hear of Nanny’s passing. She was the sweetest, most caring woman a person could know. So many of my greatest childhood memories come from the time I spent at her house when I was young. She had a way of making everyone feel like family and could put a smile on your face in an instant. Heaven has truly gotten a little brighter with her passing. My condolences to the whole Abell family. She will truly be missed.
To all of Rosemary’s family: We are so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. We have had many good times with your Mom and Dad. Will always remember our fishing trips and our annual trips to Southern States meeting in Richmond. We had many good laughs together and am so glad our paths crossed. Our condolences for your great loss. Hope each day ahead will bring a measure of comfort.
We are sorry for your loss and pray for your family in this time of sadness. She was such a sweet and kind lady!
So sorry to hear about Mrs. Abell. Please accept our condolences, we were out of town and just learned of her passing. She was always so pleasant, and happy with a kind word for all. You are in our thoughts and prayers.