Marcia Lynn Abbate

1942 - 2024

Marcia Abbate July 23, 1942 - October 13, 2024 Palmdale - "The best things are nearest: breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of God just before you." - Robert Louis Stevenson Marcia Lynn Stevenson Abbaté passed from this life into heaven on October 13, 2024. She was loved by many and will be terribly missed by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Marcia was born in Dayton, Ohio on July 23, 1942. She graduated from Ohio State University with B.S. and M.A. Degrees and was an avid Buckeyes fan. She is preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Martha Stevenson, and her husband, Sal Abbaté. Her sister, Bonnie James, resides in Columbus, Ohio. She cherished her family and loved being with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Marcia had a full life, enfolding many people into her adventures along the way. On November 23, 1968, she married Salvatore Francesco Abbaté III and settled in Palmdale where Marcia contributed to her church and the arts community for over 50 years. During their 37 years of marriage, she and Sal raised four children, travelled all over the world, and shared many fabulous memories together with family and friends. As a speech therapist and artist, Marcia considered her book, "Pictures, Please!" to be one of her greatest professional accomplishments. Upon retiring as Speech Therapist and classroom teacher, Marcia spent much of her time capturing the essence of life as a portrait charcoal artist. People and animals were her favorite subjects, and she loved depicting the details necessary for a truly accurate portrait. This unique attentiveness and curiosity to those around her lead her to connect with people from all different walks of life. Marcia was known for her creativity, her child-like playfulness, and her love of music. In 1981 she founded the Desert Song Choir which still provides music for the mass at St. Junipero Serra Catholic Church. For 18 years she sang with Nuns for Fun as Sister Mary Moonbeam, performing all over Southern California. As Marcia was a direct descendant of Robert Louis Stevenson, she was especially humbled to be a member of The Scottish Fiddlers which plays lively tunes of Scotland. She also treasured hiking with friends and family. She was a member of the Sierra Club and hiked weekly with friends who shared adventures on the many trails in Wrightwood, the Pacific Crest Trail, and beyond. Marcia always had a camera in hand to photograph every beautiful piece of nature she encountered. She truly was at peace and filled with immense joy when she was in God's creation. We mourn the sudden loss of Marcia, caused by an automobile accident while visiting family in Portland, Oregon. Though saddened, we are comforted in knowing that she is now experiencing, firsthand, the love of God. The funeral mass will be held at Saint Junipero Serra Catholic Church, 42121 60th St W, Lancaster, CA 93536 on Monday, December 16 at 10:00 am.