Dorothy Lee Abbott

Dorothy Lee Fritzi Abbott was born October 12, 1922, in Waco, Texas and died October 12, 2006. She was the daughter of Edward Lee Fritz Wallis and Nannye Ben Smith Wallis of Waco. They provided a loving Christian home where she grew up along side her older sister, Nancy. After graduating from Waco High School, Fritzi attended finishing school in Washington, D.C. From there her studies took her to New York, Colorado, and eventually back to Waco where she received her degree from Baylor University. She met her best friend and love, George W. Abbott, on a train. They married on January 5, 1950, in San Antonio, Texas. During George's military career, they lived in Germany, Taiwan, California, and Nebraska and traveled often. In many of those years, Fritzi taught school, second grade being her favorite, and also was a librarian. After retiring from his military career, George and Fritzi moved to San Antonio.

In San Antonio Fritzi continued in her belief in service, education and giving. She served as a Docent for the Institute of Texan Cultures and for the Witte Museum, both of which had a special place in her heart. She was active in both Christ Episcopal Church and St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Although she never taught after returning to San Antonio, she remained interested in educating young people and aided many students in achieving their goals. She believed this was one of her purposes.

On May 15, 1988, her husband George died after battling cancer, but she did not allow this to deter her in any way. She remained active with her service work and in the management of her family's South Texas ranching interest. She continued to receive friends and family when they needed a little encouragement, both of whom relied on her for inspiration.

She is survived by a nephew, John B. McNamara III of Waco; a niece, Nancy M. Groover of Longview; a great nephew, Carter Hicks of Waco; and cousins, Corinda Moeller, Anne Carson, Mike Moeller, Dan Smith, Kevin Smith, Cindy Brower, Carol Callahan Matter, S. X. Callahan III, Kay Nettleship, Leah Oehrlein and Clay Nettleship.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, St. Luke's Episcopal School, Texas Military Institute or the Witte Museum.