Catherine Patricia Abell, nee Mattingly, quietly departed this life on April 25^th, 2022. The sun was shining. The windows were open. And colorful birds were perched on her hanging bird feeder. Our Granny peacefully left us behind to go on to her well-deserved eternal rest, and into the arms of her husband who we know has been waiting for her.

Catherine was born on August 26^th, 1932, in Chaptico, Maryland. She first met the future love of her life, William Abell, at St. Joseph’s grammar school where he pulled her pigtails on the playground. Future meetings would fare much better, and they eventually married on July 7^th, 1951, in Washington D.C. He preceded her in death in 2016, and she has never stopped missing him. We know their reunion was sweet indeed.

They had four wonderful daughters, Brenda (Gerry), Robin (Tom), Debra (Jimmy), and Susan (Mike), whom they deeply cherished. They spent years as a close-knit family living in DC before eventually settling in Clinton, MD. The memories their daughters hold are too plentiful to list, but ultimately paint a picture of parents whose devotion never wavered and who always made them feel important and loved, even when a stray baseball went through a window.

Their life together was a decidedly simple one, and yet never without the bustling activity having a young family brings. Despite the busyness and constant activity, Granny was always a steadfast, calming presence. Bill worked for Giant Foods for over 50 years. Granny managed the home for their daughters, and eventually a slew of many grand and great-grandchildren, who she sometimes let roller skate in her basement and watch The Price Is Right with her when they had to stay home sick from school.

Her Thanksgiving stuffing was unspeakably delicious, while her Christmas fudge a taste of heaven. Granny was the center of holiday celebrations and family gatherings, usually on her feet in the service of someone else. It was always a trick to encourage her to sit down and enjoy herself. She enjoyed watching gameshows such as Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune to pass the time. Often, you could find her with Bill, animal watching out their backdoor.

Her warm heart and quiet generosity were always felt and will be missed. And though she may have been a gentle spirit, there is no question that she was the strongest of all of us. We know how it hurt to be without her Bill. And now we mourn not the length of years she had, only that we can no longer share our love with her. There was always space under the shelter of her wings and a place on her lap for a grandchild to rest on in her favorite rocking chair.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Zachariah Hayden and Clara Elaine Mattingly, and siblings Charles Llewyn, Sophia Adele and Perry Hayden.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Frances “Mankie” Trumwell (Bobby) as well as her daughters, twelve grandchildren, David, James, Tiffany, Brian, Justin, Joel, Ashley, Gary, Shelby, Wil, Christopher, Matthew and seventeen great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend the staff of Bayleigh Chase in Easton, Maryland our deepest and most sincere gratitude for their constant unwavering professionalism as well as their profound kindness and support. We will never forget those who made our Granny part of their family during these challenging past few years.

 “The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone, but the things you do for others remain as your legacy.”

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Catherine’s name to Smile Train.

The services for Catherine will be livestreamed on the Rausch Funeral Home Facebook page and can be accessed by using the following link https://www.facebook.com/RauschFH