KATHERINE M. ABEL, 87, passed away peacefully at her home on October 12, 2016 in Naples, Florida. Katherine, known to her friends as "Kit," was born in Mount Kisco, New York on October 13, 1928, the daughter of Margaret (Ford) and Francis McGovern. Kit graduated from Mount Kisco High School and the Tobe-Coburn School, where she nurtured her interest in fashion. After graduation she became a buyer for Macy's Department Stores in New York City. When she returned to Mount Kisco, Kit met the love of her life, Lawrence (Larry) Abel, and they were married in 1953. Kit had a wonderful life with Larry who was her soulmate, best friend and partner for 58 years. Together they ran Abel's Department Store in Mount Kisco, which was known as one of the premier womens' clothing stores in the area. Kit always had an eye for fashion and a great sense of style and used these talents at Abel's. She and Larry then went on to open two successful ladies shoe and accessories businesses, Finesse Products and Dyeables. They had a wonderful time working together and traveling extensively for both work and pleasure. They could often be found taking a flight up to Boston to watch their favorite team, the Red Sox, or going to Italy to check out the latest shoe style trends. When in Mt. Kisco, their home was filled with family and friends and they hosted many memorable holiday celebrations. Upon retirement, Kit and Larry relocated to the warmer climate of Naples, Florida. Kit loved her life in Naples. She made many close friends and always talked about how great they were to Larry and her. She was an active member of the Neapolitan Club, an avid bridge player and enjoyed going to the philharmonic and social events with her friends. Kit also enjoyed visits from family in Naples and trips up North to see her family. She loved hearing about what was happening in their lives and sharing news about the fun she was having in Naples. Kit's main passions in life were her family and friends and her faith. She was a source of love and light to her family and treasured being with those she loved. Kit took great joy in the happiness of her family and friends. She showered her love on all who met her, and because of her caring and thoughtful ways, enthusiasm for life and generous nature, she was deeply loved by all. Kit's faith was a cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of St. William Church in Naples. She was also very proud of her Irish heritage. Kit lived her life full of love and caring for others and had a positive impact on so many. She will always be remembered by her family and friends. Kit is survived by her sister Anne Doran; niece and nephews Pam Connor (& John), John Doran (& Cindy), Berney Kubetz (& Cindy), Harry Kubetz (& Gary Burton), Harry Abel (& Stella); great nephews and nieces: Jacob (& Jill) Kubetz, Joseph Kubetz, Zachary Kubetz, Matthew Abel (& Debbie), Scott Abel (& Abbey), William, Anna & Katherine Doran, Jack Connor; and great-great nieces and nephews Rachel, Julia and Caroline Kubetz, Joshua, Camryn, Taylor and Jeremy Abel. In addition to her parents, Kit was predeceased by her husband Lawrence Abel, sister-in-laws Ruth (Abel) Kubetz, Josephine Abel, brother-in-laws Berney Abel, Henry Kubetz, Charles E. Doran and nephews Charles F. Doran and Joshua Kubetz. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, October 22nd at 11am at St. William Catholic Church, 601 Seagate Drive in Naples, Florida. An Inurnment Service will be held Saturday, October 29th at 12:30pm at St. Francis Cemetery in Mount Kisco, New York. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kit's memory to: , P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123

Published in the The Journal News on Oct. 18, 2016