Ella M. Abel

Beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, Ella M. Abel, 91, of Nashua, NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH. She was born July 21, 1920 in Aldenville, MA, the daughter of the late William and Hilda (Frigon) DeHarnais. Ella had been a resident of Nashua for the past six years, formerly living at Loomis Village in South Hadley, MA. Prior to that she lived in Holyoke, MA where she raised her family with her loving husband, Chester E. Abel.

Ella was a devoted wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, of whom she was very proud. She loved to travel and traveled to many destinations in the United States, Canada and Europe. Ella also loved spending time outdoors, gardening and feeding the birds. She loved cooking and baking for her family and was a great cook. Ella was a devout Catholic and a communicant of Parish of the Resurrection in Nashua, NH; St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley, MA and Holy Cross Church in Holyoke, MA. She was a very caring person and contributed to many charities over the years.

Ella is survived by her seven children; Patricia Swaney of Shrewsbury, MA; Claire Abel of Nashua, NH; Chester Abel, Jr. of Hadley, MA; Kathleen Abel of Nashua, NH; Joanne Abel of Orono, ME; Michael Abel of W. Springfield, MA; and Mary Walsh of Lyman, ME. She is also survived by, a sister; Alice Carey of Duxbury, MA; 21 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and by several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides her parents she was predeceased by her husband, Chester; a grandson; Jeffrey Swaney; and three sisters, Louise Robert, Evelyn Conroy, and Lena Maguire.

Following cremation, a private graveside service will be held at Forestdale Cemetery, Holyoke, MA in the spring where she will be buried with her beloved husband. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Community Hospice House, 210 Naticook Rd., Merrimack, NH 03054.