Mary Catherine Abbott

Mary Catherine Abbott of Beckley died on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 following a short illness. Born in Beckley on March 16, 1927, she was the daughter of the late John and Nancy Nucitaja Abbott.
Mary was a Roman Catholic and a lifelong active member of St. Francis de sales Church in Beckley. At St. Francis, she was an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, minister of the sick, a member of the Ladies of St. Francis, the Bereavement Committee, and served on the St. Francis de Sales Catholic School Board.
Mary graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and received bachelor degrees from St. Mary of the Springs College in Columbus, OH and Concord College in Athens, WV. She received a Masters Degree in Elementary Education from West Virginia University and did advanced studies at the University.
Mary was an educator having taught at Rhodell, Stoco and Hollywood Elementary Schools. She served as curriculum supervisor for Raleigh County Schools for 28 years and served on numerous committees on the County, State and National levels.
Mary retired from the Raleigh County School system in 1988 and became active in the West Virginia and Raleigh County Associations of Retired School Employees, was a West Virginia State volunteer for AARP serving as the West Virginia Retired Educators Liaison, was a Prisoner Visitation and Support Volunteer at the Federal Correctional Institution of Beckley, a member of the Woman’s Club of Beckley serving as the president in 2008-2010, Delta Kappa Gamma Honorary Society for teachers, and a member of the Raleigh County Democrat Executive Committee.
Mary is survived by her best friend and loving sister Katherine Holt of Hinton. She is also survived by special nephews, Okie Thompson and his wife Carolyn of Crab Orchard, John L. Thompson of Norfolk, VA; two special nieces, Kimberly Abbott of Beckley and Nancy Jean Truman and her husband Tom of Beckley; great-nephews, John Michael Thompson and his wife Marissa of Norfolk, VA and Frank Thompson of New York; great-nieces, Leslie Karen Tyree and her husband Scott of Teays Valley, WV, Kelly Dawn Thompson of Fenton, MI and Samantha Truman of Beckley. Mary is also survived by her loving companions, Panda & Tabitha and Kali and Kali too.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Frank Abbott; sister, Santa Marie Thompson; brothers-in-law, Okie Thompson of MacArthur and Jack E. Holt of Hinton and a best friend, Earl Riner. She was also preceded in death by her constant and loving poodle, Rusty.
A funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28, 2013 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with Monsignor Samuel Sacus officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum B. Friends may visit with the family from 6-8 p.m. Friday, December 27, 2013 at Calfee Funeral Home where a rosary will be recited at 8:00 p.m. led by Rev. Mr. Don Wise.
Donations of sympathy may be made to St. Francis School, 622 S. Oakwood Ave., Beckley, WV 25801.
On line condolences may be left at www.calfeefh.com.
Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.