Mary Patricia Abel

Mary was a loving wife of 72 years to Gordon, whom she married in 1953. She was a devoted mother of five children and many grandchildren whom she held dear to her heart and was joyous of their achievements.

Mary was originally from Rockford, Michigan, living on their family farm. At 15, her mother died tragically, and her days were filled with farm work and childcare for relatives. Forgoing further education, she left for Grand Rapids to start working toward independence and a better life. Soon after, she secured employment at General Motors and met her husband at work. She was a longtime employee, breaking only to raise their children, and returning to GM until retirement.

In 1964, the family moved to Kentwood, Michigan, to continue raising their five children, moving to Byron Center for the last many years.

Mary was skilled at sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, and baking (pies especially). She often prepared her homemade applesauce for visiting grandchildren.

She enjoyed traveling, whether with their friends to tropical places, a visit to the Vatican with her sisters (a life highlight), or family road trips to the National Parks in a station wagon pulling a pop-up camper that her husband built. She loved getting together over food and games; weekly card games with friends were often followed by pie.

She was a longtime parishioner of local Roman Catholic Churches, most recently St. Sebastian in Byron Center for the past 24 years. Mary lived her faith by singing in the choir, delivering meals, participating in prayer chains, and donating to anyone in need.

She will be remembered for her commitment to family, her hard-working nature, and her unshakable faith.

Originally from a family of nine, she was predeceased by all her siblings: brothers Ralph Williams and Don Williams, and sisters Lorraine Williams, Arlene Williams R.S.M., Diana Cheslek, Rita Littell, Margie Romijn, and Rudy Frantz. Rudy predeceased her by only two days. A joyous family reunion in heaven is expected.

Mary is survived by her husband, Gordon; their five children Sharon Abel, Kathy (Abel) Manger (and Chip), Fred Abel, Mike Abel, Pat (Abel) Weiman (and Rick); her 11 grandchildren Chris Abel (and LeAnna), Justin Andrews (and Michelle), Nicole (Andrews) Baker (and Ian), Jase Andrews (and Shelly), Melissa (Abel) Modreski (and Nate), Matt Abel, Meggen (Abel) Warner (and Tony), Casey Abel, Chelsea (Abel) Meyering (and Brandon), Jack Weiman, and Annabel Weiman; two step-grandchildren Zach Manger (and Heidi), Britni (Manger) Gass (and Alex); 16 great-grandchildren Trenton, Aidan, and Jaxson Abel, Jude, Penelope, and Cora Andrews, Lumen and Maren Baker, Pierce and Brody Andrews, Tahylor and Austyn Modreski, Paityn Abel, Charlotte and Savannah Meyering, Amia Abel; six great-step-grandchildren Xander Baker, Hudson, Hunter, Gibson, and Granger Gass, Willow Manger; and one great-great grandchild, Emmett Abel.

Visitation with friends and relatives will take place from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 4, 2026, with a Rosary starting at 7 p.m., at Cook Funeral Home, 2067 84th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 5, 2026, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with an hour of visitation prior to Mass. The family welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresbyron.com in their guestbook online.