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Irene Abbey, 96, formerly of Mount Etna, passed away Wednesday, July 14, 2021, at Accura Healthcare in Shenandoah. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at Pearson Family Funeral Service and Cremation Center, 701 7th Street, Corning. Pastor Kelly Peavey and Deacon Richard Abbey will officiate.
Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, rural Adams County. Open visitation, with family receiving friends will be 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 20, 2021, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
Elsie Irene Abbey, the daughter of Henry and Louisa Winifred (Thompson) Kissler, was born Aug. 2, 1924, at the home place, north of Mt. Etna. Irene graduated from Corning High School with the Class of 1940. She took a year of post graduate classes and received her teaching certificate. Irene would teach until her marriage to Leland S. Abbey Dec. 30, 1948, at Mt. Etna Methodist Church. Four children were born to bless this union: Mary, Janet, Richard and Barbara.
Irene was a hard worker and a farmer alongside her husband. The family moved several times finally settling in 1968 on the home place where Irene was born. This farm would be recognized as a Century Farm in 1976. Irene always raised huge gardens and did much canning. She was a wonderful cook and was famous for her homemade noodles.
Irene was a strong woman of faith. She was very involved with United Methodist Church in Mt. Etna and later in Carl. She participated in all church activities, including serving as a pianist, soloist, Bible school worker and many additional jobs.
Irene helped her children with their 4-H projects. She enjoyed quilting, embroidery, latch hook and sequined calendars. Irene loved all animals especially birds, squirrels and cats.
Irene’s family was so very important to her and she dearly loved time spent with them. This included playing board games with her grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish Irene’s memory are her children: Mary (Stephen) Fisher of Red Oak, Janet Ross of Farragut, Richard (Karen) Abbey of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Barbara Abbey of Centennial, Colorado; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
Preceding Irene in death were her husband, Leland in 1996; parents; brother and sister-in-law: Hubert and Milree Kissler; grandson, Justin Abbey.