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Carol Abbott Obituary

Carol (Stevenson) Abbott died unexpectedly on March 2, 2012, in Bangor with her loving husband and children at her side. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 11, 1937, the daughter of Ruth and Frederick Stevenson. Carol was raised in Melrose and Reading, Massachusetts, graduating from Reading Memorial High School in 1955. She graduated from the University of Maine in 1959 with a degree in English. While at the University of Maine, she met her future husband, Walter H. Abbott. Carol married Walter on February 20, 1960. Last month they celebrated fifty-two years of marriage. They had a strong, loving marriage filled with happiness and friendship. In addition to Walter, Carol is survived by: their son Steven, his wife Amy, and their children Hannah and Henry, all of Portland; their son Scott and his daughter Erin of Orono and Bangor; and their daughter Sherry of Portland. Carol is also survived by her brother Peter and his wife Nadia of Rockport, Massachusetts. Carol loved her experience as a student at the University of Maine where she and Walter made many lifelong friends. At UMaine Carol was selected "Calico Queen," and was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. After graduation, in addition to raising their children, Carol worked as an elementary school teacher for twenty years. She spent the majority of her career at Asa C. Adams school in Orono; she also taught at schools in Fairfield and Old Town. Carol was very close to Steve, Scott, and Sherry's friends from Orono High School and enjoyed those relationships throughout her life. She enjoyed volunteering for organizations, including the March of Dimes, the Heart Association, the Girl Scouts, and the Orono Booster Club. She was a consistent supporter of the Good Shepherd Food Bank. Walter worked for more than fifty years as a football coach, professor, and administrator for the University of Maine. During that time, Carol served as a second mother for hundreds of UMaine students and coaches. Her home was a social gathering spot for generations of students past and present, and she loved hosting the many visitors who would stop by the Abbotts' house when they would return to Orono. She would frequently prepare meals for large gatherings of Walter's students and especially enjoyed the fun and excitement of the start of his outdoor trips when the students would meet at their house. For more than fifty years, Carol was a fixture at UMaine sporting events. At every home football game, she could be found in "Coaches' Corner," which became a well-known meeting area for Carol and Walter's friends at the home football games. Carol and Walter built a camp in the mountains outside of Rumford, Maine, where she loved to garden and read. She also enjoyed exercise, and was a regular at the UMaine fitness center where she would walk, bike, and lift weights. Carol enjoyed fishing, summer days at the coast, and making all holidays special for her family. In addition to being a terrific mother to her three children, she loved being an aunt and, most of all, a grandmother. She was known as "Nana" to Erin, Hannah, and Henry. She found her grandchildren to be a constant source of joy and amusement, and she cherished every minute with them. She also looked forward to the arrival of her newest grandchild in just a few weeks. Carol was a uniquely beautiful woman, who made everyone around her feel better for knowing her. Her smile and warm personality made people feel relaxed and loved. Carol cared deeply for her family and her friends. She was a gentle and kind woman. Carol had an inner strength and steadiness of character that made her a most supportive and dedicated wife, mother, and friend. A memorial service will take place at the United Methodist Church in Orono on Saturday, March 10, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steven Smith officiating. A reception will follow at the Buchanan Alumni House on College Avenue in Orono from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Gifts may be sent to the University of Maine Foundation, Two Alumni Place, Orono, ME, 04469-5792, to the Carol and Walter Abbott Scholarship Fund, which benefits University of Maine students. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.

Published by The Reading Advocate from Mar. 6 to Mar. 13, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
for Carol Abbott

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Dear Steve, so very sorry to learn of your mother's death. We spoke several times in 1986 when you and I were involved in the McKernan campaign, she was delightful. I don't know who wrote her obituary but it was a wonderful memorial to her. Sending hugs, Patricia

Patricia Baldwin

March 15, 2012

jean corindia

March 12, 2012

Dear Abbott Family: Please accept the condolences of Matt, Gail, Connor, Cameron & Austin Bennett. You've lost a wonderful mother, grandmother, wife and friend, she will be remembered by all of the people whose lives she has touched.

God Bless the Abbott Family!

Matt Bennett

March 12, 2012

My sincere sympathy to all the Abbotts.

Jane Allen Frantz

March 11, 2012

Sherry and family, I was very sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. She was a wonderful person. With sympathy,
Ellen Hall

March 11, 2012

Dear Coach Abbott,
I am very sorry to hear of your wife, Carol's passing. Her obituary describes such a beautiful, extraordinary person. You are truly blessed by God to have had such a wonderful life-long partner. I remain very grateful for all you did for me at the UMO and will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Most Sincerely,
Mike Joly M'77

Mike Joly

March 10, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Abbott family. When I look back on my Orono years, I remember fondly hanging out at the Abbott house, watching SNL with Ms. Abbott's homemade popcorn and chocolate chip cookies (they were the best!!!). The Abbott boys helped my mom move into our Forest Avenue apartment with their truck and wouldn't take any money - after much negotiation, they finally agreed to Pat's Pizza. Ms. Abbott was a shining example of a parent that got along with her children and their friends, without becoming a BFF. During my own adulthood, as a wife and mother, I have often thought of her endless devotion to her children and the obvious delight she got from watching them grow, through the good and the crazy times. Ms. Abbott always kept steadfastly smiling.

Although a time of great loss, this is also a time of great celebration for a fantastic person whose positive impact continues to reach across this country and across generations into lives that she never even knew she touched.

Kate Hayes Whitman

March 10, 2012

Walt, Our deepest sympathy, Fred Nassar and family.

March 10, 2012

Walt, Our deepest sympathy, Fred Nassar and family.Our prayers are with you.

March 10, 2012

My thoughts are with the Abbott family during this difficult time. Please be comforted in knowing that loving thoughts are being sent to your family.

Alecta Rhoads-Doyle

March 9, 2012

Walt, Steve and family, We are so sorry to hear of Carol's sudden passing. Please accept our heartful condolences. We will miss talking with her when you visited our store. On behalf of all your friends at Hammond Tractor, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Pam Jacques

March 9, 2012

To Walter Abbott, I was very saddened to learn of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Ivan Braun

March 9, 2012

Dearest family,
We are so sorry for your sudden loss.
What a precious gift Carol has been to so very many fortunate people. May you find peace and comfort at this difficult time, with family and friends that love you all so very dearly.

Bill & Kim Mitchell

March 9, 2012

Walter and family. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers at this time. I know how much you loved her and will miss her wisdom. A great lady that was not behind but along side a great man. So sorry for your loss Walt

Ed Marshall

March 9, 2012

To Walt, Steve and all the Abbott family: Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the passing of someone best described as the heart and soul of the family. Noone has the proper words for these times but I know that your strength and character will see you through. God bless you all.

Michael Rair

March 9, 2012

Walter and family:
I am sorry for your loss and extend my sympathies to you all. I am certain that the family will prevail with the memories and good times to look back on in rememberance of Carol's life. Know that many Black Bear Football teammates are with you in spirit and support you in your loss.

Jim Hood...... Lewiston, Maine

March 8, 2012

Walt, my heart aches for you, the kids and grandkids. The love you and Mama Abbott shared with one another and with all of us, UMaine students, has left a lasting legacy. She was a beautiful spirit who backed all of your plays. What a gift she was. . .what a loss this is! Please know that you are held closely in our hearts and prayers.

cheri kent

March 8, 2012

God Bless you all in your time of loss. I met Carol on the campaign bus and loved her. After the campaign she would always smile and give me a hug. She was a treasure. Thank you for sharing her with us all.

Kelly Cotiaux

March 8, 2012

I am very upset and shocked to hear of Carol's passing. Her grandchildren deeply adored her, as well as myself. She was so sweet and kind, and I feel blessed to have known her. My greatest condolences to Hannah and Henry... it's been a rough month for my two favorite kiddos. Hold your heads high, and I'll see you soon.

Megan Meehan

March 8, 2012

Our condolances to the Abbott family. We know what a difficult time this is. With sincere sympathies,

Patrick Boyd and family

March 8, 2012

Please accept my condolences to Walter and family. I know how much it means to hear from friends at a time like this.My prayers are with you. Jane Claypool Howard

March 8, 2012

She is in a special place in heaven reserved for coaches wives.
Mike Hodges

March 8, 2012

Walt: We enjoyed sharing the Sunrise Terrace neighborhood and the Orono/UMO communities with the wonderful Abbott family. Your kids played with our kids, went to school with them, and engaged in sports and other school activities with them. Carol was a bright and shining star in the community. We mourn her untimely loss and send our sincere condolences to you, Steve, Scott, Sherry, and the grandkids.

Ken, Sharon, and Krista Wing
Freeport, Maine

March 8, 2012

dear steve and family; sue & i send our deepest sympathy to you and you family; may your moms wonder life be a deep comfort to you all; sue and arnold garson

March 8, 2012

My sympathies to all of the Abbotts on this untimely loss.

Stephen V. Richardson

March 8, 2012

No one in the Severson Family slept well last night. We had just heard about Carol's passing. "Sadness" does not adequately express our feelings of loss and sympathy for the Abbotts. Walter, Steven, Scott and Sherry -- our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dan, Polly, Jennifer and Eric Severson (Cambridge, New York)

March 8, 2012

walt,

my deepest sympathies to you and the kids. sadness is not strong enough to depict my feelings at this time. my river valley roots reach out to you. you will be in my prayers.

bruce lindberg

lee academy

bruce lindberg

March 8, 2012

Walt..Our deepest sympathy for you and your family.Although we did not know carol we do know of your loving commitment to her and your family. Our thoughts and blessings are with you always. Jack [U of Me. '56] and Jane Small [Fort Myers ,Fl.]

March 8, 2012

God Bless you Carol.... You are in a great place now... The Abbott family has been a big part of the UM family and you were a big part of it as well.

Steven & Jackie Jones

March 7, 2012

The McMorrow family wishes to extend our deepest condolences to your family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Aaron McMorrow

March 7, 2012

The Abbott Family is Royalty in the Rogerson household! Our thoughts and prayers are with you Walter and Steven, Scott and Sherry. God bless you all!

Greg and Kristi Rogerson

March 7, 2012

Walt,Steven,Scott,Sherry
My thoughts continue to be with you and with my memories of Carol - her warm greetings,friendly smiles and gentle ways . She was a great person and I will miss her dearly. My love to you all.

Tom Warren

March 7, 2012

Walt and family:
Our hearts and thoughts are with you all.Please know how very much we feel for you; blessings on Carol's beautiful spirit on its journey.

Mark & Jane Biscoe

March 7, 2012

Walter, I have always considered you the brother I never had. Having known you for over 50 years Sandy & I were devastated when we heard of Carol's passing. I am so glad we had that conversation with both of you on the Womens senior niight. We will both miss that beautiful and caring Carol. I know that God has welcomed her into his kingdom. Our heart is with you always as well as your wonderful family. Love always Manch & Sandy Wheeler

March 7, 2012

Walt, So very sorry to hear of Carol's passing. She was a lovely lady. Ron Caselden

March 7, 2012

Walt, Steve, Scott & Sherry,
Ann and I were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Carol's passing. She will always be remembered for her enthusiastic support of children, her community and most of all, her family. She was a class act, as are each of you. May you find comfort in your difficult loss in all the wonderful memories that each of you have of her.

Tim & Ann McCluskey

March 7, 2012

Walt, you were so kind to me when I lost my wife two years ago. I thank you for that. Please know I am extending those same kind thoughts back to you after having lost your wife, Carol. Peace be with you and your family,. Sincerely Rod Sparrow '71 (Bolton, Ma.)

March 7, 2012

steve, amy, kids an the rest of your family,
we are so sorry for your loss
been thinking of you all, sence fri.
you are in our thoughts an prayers
so much in such a short time
my mom sends her prayers too. will see you soon
love fay an bob

fay brooks

March 7, 2012

Walt, Steve, Scott and Sherry,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your families on the passing of Mrs. Abbott. Every home game I would look up in the stands below the blue wall hangings and see you and your family cheering for us and I always enjoyed our chats whenever we visited UMaine after graduation. Mark has always spoken very highly of you all and we hope you will find comfort in the memories you all shared as a family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Kelly & Mark LaFountain

March 7, 2012

Our heartfelf condolences to the entire Abbott family on the loss of 'someone so special'.

Ray & Carole LeClair

March 7, 2012

Walt, Steve, Scott and Sherry... I was deeply sadden and crushed to hear of the passing of a such beautiful person who was such a part of my youth. My heart aches for you all. Carol was a special neighborhood mom and I'll cherish all the wonderful memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

Tim Trafton

March 7, 2012

Carol was my first and second grade teacher, and the teacher I have always measured every other by. No little children were more loved, more kindly treated, more warmed by a smile than we lucky ones who were her students. We loved her back immeasurably. Walt and family, my deepest condolences to you in your loss. May you be comforted by the memories of your life together.

Orene Clarke Brown

March 7, 2012

Sending thoughts and prayers to the Abbott families...may you find strength and peace in knowing the positive impact she had on so very many.
Sincerely,
Pamela Forbes

Pamela Forbes

March 7, 2012

Carol Abbott was the epitome of class. She moved through this earth with the dignity, grace and compassion of an angel. Her laugh was infectious, her smile inviting and her hugs made you feel as if you were one of her own children.

Tom Sullivan

March 7, 2012

Dear Coach Abbott and Family my thoughts are with you during these times. God bless!

Paul Desmarais

March 7, 2012

Dear Walt, Steve and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and praying for all of the Abbott family, Dean and Laurie Smith

March 7, 2012

So very sorry and sad to hear about Mrs. Abbott. She was such a kind and lovely neighborhood Mom. With heartfelt condolences my thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Abbott, Steve, Scott, Sherry, and all the Abbott family.

Debbie Trafton Stafford

March 7, 2012

We are deeply sorry for your loss of Carol, who was such a gracious, kind, and interesting person. We will miss seeing her at the class luncheons in Rumford. Herb and Jane Peterson

March 7, 2012

Walt and Family.....

So sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Carol. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

John and Laurie Ryan
Falmouth, Maine

March 7, 2012

my deepest sympathies to Walter and the Abbott family on your loss.

David Sklar

March 7, 2012

On behalf of the Wood family, we would like to express our deepest sympathy to the Abbott Family. What a beautiful woman inside and out. She will be sorely missed by so many. God Bless.
Ray & Marcia Wood Jr

March 7, 2012

Dear Walter Abbott and family

I am so sorry for your loss; you have my deepest condolences. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Shawn C. Kenaley '00

Shawn Kenaley

March 7, 2012

The Sailor family wishes to offer or deepest condolences to all of the Abbott family for the lost of such a beautiful person. Loosing a love one is never easy, however Carol will never be gone from our hearts. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Donna and Ron Sailor

March 7, 2012

I am so sorry to hear of Carol's passing. Please know that you are in our thoughts at this difficult time.

DeeDee Killilea

March 7, 2012

The entire Carmichael family wishes to extend our deep condolences to your family at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Rob Carmichael

March 7, 2012

Gwen & I extend our condolences to you all in this difficult time. I am sure the many warm memories and great times you shared as a family will continue to give you comfort and inspiration.
You are a great legacy to a special lady, it was an honor to know her.

Andre & Gwen Cushing

March 7, 2012

Steve, Scott, Sherry, and Walt,
I am so sorry to hear about Mrs. Abbott---Such a beautiful person and wonderful community member. She always had a wide, friendly smile on her face whenever I saw her out and about. I know your loss is great, but I also know you were very well cared for by a woman devoted to her family---what a special gift you've been given.

Jeanna Tuell

March 7, 2012

Carol was such a wonderful person, someone everyone looked up to. I can still remember the very first time I met her, her smile made me feel so comfortable. Our thoughts and love go out to all of the family, we love you very much. May all the wonderful memories heal your heart.
Barbara and David Eretzian and family

Barbara Eretzian

March 6, 2012

So many wonderful memories are woven into 49 years of friendship! Carol was a very special person and we shall miss her greatly. Love and prayers to all the Abbotts. Barbara and Bob Nichols Mashpee, MA

March 6, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with Carol's family during these difficult days. I met Carol back in 1955 when she and my sister, Carol Burry Gage were classmates and new friends. She was a bright light all through her life and made the University of Maine a better place with her presence. It was a privilege and a pleasure to have known her. May the Lord's comforting hands rest upon Walt's shoulders and their children and grandchildren

Max Burry

March 6, 2012

To the family of Carol Abbott.
My wife and I would like to offer our condolence. We hope you can draw some comfort from Psalms34;17,18.May peace and love be increased to the entire Abbott family.

March 6, 2012

My deepest condolences to the Abbott family. In meeting Mrs. Abbott in only the last few years, I came away with how very loving and caring her eyes were. Windows of the soul. My prayers go out to the family. God bless you.

Sandy Thomas

March 6, 2012

We would like to express our condolences to the Abbott family for your loss of a beautiful wife, mother and grandmother. We will remember Carol as a kind, engaging and caring woman who loved her family deeply.

Alan, Donna & Gabrielle Miller
Bangor, ME

March 6, 2012

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