ABELL, MARY ADAIR (NEE GRAMSKY) , 78, of Eustis, FL passed away peacefully in her sleep April 10, 2009, following a courageous battle with cancer. Mary was born April 27, 1930 in Washington, D.C., to Master Sgt. Anthony Gramsky and Nellie MacDonald Gramsky. She graduated from Washington-Lee High School of Arlington, VA in 1948, and the following year married her high school sweetheart, Maurice Francis Abell. The wife of a soldier, Mary intrepidly traveled the world with her husband and children, living in such varied places as Okinawa, Turkey, Spain and Lebanon. Upon CWO Maurice Abell's retirement from the military, the family settled in Laurel, MD. Always eager for a new challenge, Mary obtained her nursing degree from Prince George's School of Nursing in 1971 and she worked many years as a private practice nurse in the Laurel area before retiring to Eustis, FL with her husband in 1987. Throughout her life, Mary Abell was the consummate homemaker: an involved mother, meticulous housekeeper, and skilled cook, she will forever be remembered for the warm and inviting homes she created in the States and abroad and the wonderful meals that always graced her table. In addition to cooking, she loved music, writing poetry, and was an avid reader. A deeply spiritual woman, she was a member of St. Mary of the Lakes Catholic Church in Eustis and devoted much of her time to charitable works. She is preceded in death by her husband, who passed away On March 7, 2007, her parents, two sisters, and three brothers. Mary is survived by her loving family: daughter Marice Bowen and her husband Jack of Butler, PA, daughter Denise Abell of Baltimore, MD, and son Mark Abell and his wife Leslie of Astatula, FL. She is also survived by seven granddaughters; six great grandsons; three great granddaughters; several cousins, notably Patricia Williams of Summerfield, FL, who was a constant support to Mary and her immediate family during her final days; several nieces and nephews; and a large extended family in her father's beloved homeland of Poland. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Hospice of Lake Sumter, 12300 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL, 32778. A graveside service will be held at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, May 11, 2009, at 1PM. Arrangements are by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis, FL. Online guestbook available at: www.hardenpauli.com
Orlando Sentinel, The (FL) - April 27, 2009