Patricia Eleanor Abell, of Bethesda, Maryland, passed from this world on August 23, 2022, to be reunited with her dear parents, William S. and Patricia O'C. Abell, who died almost two decades ago. She died after a brief illness, visited by her brothers and sister who loved her dearly, cherished her joyful smile, and will miss her deeply. She was the glue that held our family together after our parents died.

Patricia was born July 21, 1940, in Washington, DC. She was diagnosed at an early age with an intellectual disability, but her parents declined to put her into an institution. She went to St. Gertrude's School, Washington, DC, living at home on weekends. She grew up surrounded by the love of her parents and her brothers and sister, Shep, Tony, Chris, Elaine, Kevin, and Gregory.

After graduation from St. Gertrude's, Patricia worked for the Arc of Montgomery County; when she retired, she held the record for the longest employment at the Arc, some 44 years. After her retirement, she joined the Iona Day Care program at their Wellness and Arts Center for several years. There she engaged in painting and exhibited several times at the Iona Center's collaborative project at the Phillips Gallery of Art, of which she was very proud. For many years she was a member of the Potomac Community Resources Chorus. Most recently, she lived at a Larmax Home in Bethesda.

In the years after her parents' death, Patricia was well cared for by Sonia Arnez, Letty Paclibar, Edita Sandoval, Amy Silver, and most especially Kate Vonsu, Josephine Emmanuel, Editha Cordero, and Atta Cucina and all the staff at Larmax. She spent time regularly with her siblings and their families, and enjoyed a full and fruitful life. She loved everyone she ever met, and was in turn loved by them. She was the inspiration for the Committee on Persons with Intellectual Disabilities of the William S. Abell Foundation, established by her father.

Patricia is survived by her brothers W. Shepherdson (Kathryn) Abell, Christopher S. (Patricia) Abell, Elaine (Tom) Nurmi, Kevin (Sally) Abell, and Gregory (Cindy) Abell. In addition to her beloved parents she was predeceased by her brother Anthony (Nancy) Abell. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on 11 a.m. Saturday, August 27 at The Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 6001 Western Ave. NW, Washington, DC, with a visitation at the church beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be private. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts be sent to Potomac Community Resources, 9200 Kentsdale Dr., Potomac, MD 20854.

Published by The Washington Post from Aug. 24 to Aug. 26, 2022.