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Jean Abbey Obituary
May 22, 1933 - May 19, 2011
Jean Pope Abbey of Sarasota passed away May 19, 2011, after a brief illness.
Jean was born May 22, 1933, in Huntington, N.Y., the daughter of Arthur and Norma Pope. A graduate of Richmond Hill High School in 1950 and Adelphi College in 1955, Jean was valedictorian of both classes. With her Bachelor of Arts in mathematics, Jean began work for General Electric in Schenectady, N.Y., in computer programming, earning notoriety as the highest ranking woman during her five years at the company.
After marrying, Jean and her young family moved to Tampa in 1960, then to Sarasota in 1963. Employed by the Sarasota County School Board, Jean worked in data processing and computer programming for 24 years. In 1980, Jean earned her master's in vocational education from the Unversity of South Florida.
Jean was an active member of the St. Wilfred Episcopal Church for over 40 years, serving in the Altar Guild. Jean also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. She was also an active member of the Delta Gamma and Sarasota Panhellenic Alumnae Associations.
Survivors include her children Lee and Laura Abbey of Atlanta, Pat and Stacy Abbey of Tampa and Krista and Pat Benz of Santa Barbara, Calif.; her brother Don Pope of Huntington; grandchildren John, James and Elizabeth Abbey of Atlanta, Andrew and Allyson Abbey of Tampa, and Alicia, Brittany, Savannah and Patrick Benz of Santa Barbara; and many loving friends.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, at St. Wilfred Episcopal Church, 3773 Wilkinson Road. A celebration of life reception will immediately follow the service at the church.
Memorial donations in her name may be made to the American Red Cross, 2001 Cantu Court Sarasota, FL 34232-6252.
Jean was an avid book reader and enjoyed an active life of travel, numerous volunteer activities and spending time with her family. Jean was a wonderful blessing to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jean Abbey
May 24, 2011
Dear Krista and Family, your mom was a great lady and Lennart enjoyed hearing her stories about the Florida Keys and the lobsters that were caught. Our thoughts are with you in this time of sadness.
Lennart and Lotta
May 24, 2011
Jean was a wonderful lady and is now officially a "saint". She would have been proud of her children and grandchildren with the tribute they gave, and so rightly deserved, at her memorial service. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and will be greatly missed.
Marilyn Gerkin, Sarasota, Fl
Cindy Fieberts
May 24, 2011
Dear Lee, Pat and Krista and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your mothers passing. We grew up in the neighborhood with her and remember her as a fun and loving mother and a good friend of our own mother. When our children were young we would take them trick or treating in the old neighborhood and your house was decorated just as it was when we were kids and your mom always remembered us and welcomed us to come in. We know you will miss her greatly.
Cindy, Holley, Kris & Cathy (your old neighbors, the Hagar girls from Phillippi Gardens)
Juanita Chavez
May 24, 2011
Jean was a very nice, caring and sweet woman. I had the pleasure of getting to know her at our yearly Christmas Program. I am deeply saddened by her death, but I have dear and sweet memories about her. She would always come in with a warm smile and hug. You will be missed. Juanita Chavez
Joan Zare
May 23, 2011
Jean was first my teacher at SCTI, then a fellow volunteer at the American Red Cross. I have many fond memories of her warmth and caring. I will always remember her generosity and willingness to help whenever needed. I will miss her greatly.
Carl Meskimen
May 23, 2011
Last time I saw Jean was at the Library -right in keeping with her interests! She will be missed. Sincere condolences.
Carl and Nancy Meskimen
Joan Tatum
May 23, 2011
It was my privilege and pleasure to be an associate of Jean's in the Sarasota School system. She was always kind, caring, and helpful. She will be missed by all of us who had the good fortune to know her. My sincerest sympathy to all her loved ones.
Shirley Stacey
May 23, 2011
I will miss her as she was such a great friend for many years. With deepest sympathy. Shirley Stacey
Ted Lannon
May 23, 2011
So very sorry for your loss, Jean was a wonderful Mom, Grandmom, and friend to everyone that met her. You are all in our thoughts and hearts. Please accept our most sincere condolences.
The Lannons
May 23, 2011
Very sorry to hear of Mrs. Abbey's passing. I met her in the early 80's at Vo-Tech. I'm glad I had the opportunity to know her.
With sincere sympathy,
Jaynie Hall
Rose marie & Faust Canino
May 23, 2011
Happy trails my very dear friend and walking buddy.We shall be together someday I am sure of that.Thanks for the priviledge of knowing your wonderful family.Krista, Lee, Patrick,your brother Don and all your super grandchildren ...your legacy for sure .My deepest sympathy to you all.I shall miss you like all your many many dear friends will. You touched us all in a special way.
May 23, 2011
The family thanks all of you for your thoughts and prayers. Jean was a wonderful Mom, grandmother and friend that we will all miss terribly. Thanks for the messages.....
The Abbey family
May 23, 2011
Jean will be greatly missed, and was a true Christian in every way....I knew her when we moved here in 1971 and went to St. Wilfred....our children were same age. Know that you (her children) are thought of and am sending my condolences to you all. Jean you won the race..God bless you and your family.......
Donna Traver. Sarasota, FLa.
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National Cremation and Burial Society - Sarasota2990 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34239
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