Obituary

Obituary

Kathryn Odell Abendschein

April 15, 1918 - August 24, 2010

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Kathryn Odell Abendschein, 92, of Longmont, CO, and formerly of Hanover and Doylestown, died Tuesday, August 24, 2010 after a brief illness with cancer after having healthfully moved to Colorado from Des Moines, IA in early June. She was the widow of Edward John Abendschein, who died in 1974.

Born April 15, 1918 in Buffalo, NY, Kay was the daughter of the late Henry and Helen (Wiedekindt) Steele.

She is survived by four children, Helen A. Vinck of Longmont, CO, Susan C. Haskell of Des Moines, IA, Edward J. Abendschein, Jr. of Mountain Lakes, NJ, and William P. Abendschein of Celebration, FL; one brother, Robert O. Steele of Bradenton, FL; eleven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her fourth child, Paul H. Abendschein; and her younger brother, Howard R. Steele.

Kay graduated from the University of Rochester with a BS in Education. In her parenting life, besides many school, church and community activities, Kay participated in her daughters' Girl Scout programs, and was happy to join in the 50th anniversary celebration of Camp Gi-Sco-Ha a few years ago. She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Hanover and the Doylestown United Methodist Church. The winner of the Golden Deeds Award, she was always an active volunteer wherever she lived. She served many organizations, including the Friends of the Library, various hospitals, Red Cross, historical societies, churches, and a number of schools. Kay also served on the board of the YWCA of Hanover. After the untimely death of her husband, she was one of the first participants in the national Elderhostel program; she always enjoyed learning, music, movies, crossword puzzles, and The New Yorker. She made friends wherever she lived, and they have often spoken of her quiet, helpful, and peaceful demeanor. Friends are welcome to greet the family between 10 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 1, 2010 at the Wetzel Funeral Home & Crematory, 549 Carlisle, Hanover. A private committal service will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hanover, where she will rest in peace, with Rev. Thomas H. Jacobs officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Jon Abendschein, David Abendschein, Jason Abendschein, Steve Abendschein, Ed Abendschein, and Bill Abendschein.

For those desiring, contributions or flower arrangements may be made in Kay’s memory to the Homewood Foundation at Plum Creek, 425 Westminster Ave., Hanover, PA 17331.

Kay often said, "I have had a great life; I have no complaints." She will be missed.

To share memories of Kay, please click on "Sign Guest Book" above.

A memorial video celebrating Kay's life can be viewed by clicking the link below, then click the photo to play the tribute video. (Special Note: If you have firewall protection installed on your computer, it must be disabled in order to play the tribute.  Macintosh systems need Windows to use the tribute viewer).