Dorothy Peters Abele

Dorothy Peters Abele, a resident of Pelham, Alabama, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016. She moved to Pelham in 1949 after her marriage to Gordon Abele, a Birmingham, Alabama attorney who died in 1972.

Ms. Abele was a charter member of Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Birmingham as well as a former president of the Ladies Guild. Her devotion to the welfare of all living creatures prompted her to only participate in existing humane societies, but also to organize and become president of the first Women's Auxiliary for the Shelby County Humane Society. In addition, she was a member of the Bessemer West Jefferson County Humane Society Auxiliary, and a lifetime member of Shelby County and Chilton County humane societies. Her belief that animals improve our lives led her to become an active member of Pet Pals, a group who took puppies to visit nursing home residents.

Dorothy Peters was born March 5, 1919 in Hoboken, New Jersey. Her family moved to Atlanta, Georgia in 1930.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Abele, and her parents, Henry and Anna Peters. Survivors include Leslie and Margaret Steinway and their families, and cousins, Dottie Krieger, Ellen Smith, and William Willersdorf.

Visitation will be 10-11 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2016 at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Birmingham, Alabama, immediately followed by the 11 a.m. Funeral Mass at the church. Burial will be at Southern Heritage Cemetery in Pelham, Alabama.

Sincere gratitude is expressed to Dottie's Angelic Caretakers, A.B., Kim, Marla, and Telesa. Special thanks to her nurse, Mila, and to all of the New Beacon Hospice staff who provided loving care.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Birmingham or to the Shelby County Humane Society.