Mrs. Catherine Abel

Catherine "Kathleen" Abel (nee Durkin), of Philadelphia, passed away on June 9th 2022 at the age of 97. She was the loving wife of the late William H. Abel for 39 years and mother to Eileen Yurick (Frank) and the late John Abel (Colleen). Catherine leaves behind an impressive legacy in her seven grandchildren; Kelly Morante (Giancarlo), Frank Yurick (Melissa), Meghan Yurick, Brendan Logan (Cheyanne), joseph Logan, Erin Logan, and the late Sean Logan, and six great grandchildren; Marco, Frankie, Carly, Aubrey, Camryn, and Chloe. Catherine will also be greatly missed by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends. Catherine was born in the town of Swinford, County Mayo, Ireland. She was the daughter to the late Martin Durkin and Catherine (nee Durkin). In 1944 at 19 years old, she boarded a Danish ship headed to Philadelphia. She was able to start a new live with her relative in North Philadelphia and quickly found work at the Nabisco factory. Catherine met her future husband, Mr. William H. Abel at the Pulaski Dance Hall. They were married in 1955 and began a life together in the Feltonville section of Philadelphia where they had their children; Eileen and John. Catherine was an active member of the St. Ambrose parish community while in Feltonville, and also worked at Penn Fishing Reel Company in Assembly for 15 years. In 1978, Catherine and William moved their family to the Fox Chase neighborhood and set down their roots for the next 44 years. She was very active with the St. Cecilia Catholic Church community and helped to raise four of her grandchildren while in Fox Chase. Catherine will always be remembered for the deep devotion she had to her catholic faith and the communities she helped and served. She made wonderful Irish Scone (Soda Bread), and loved to play "25" with her sisters and friends during the Fox Chase years. Relatives and friends are invited to Catherine's Life Celebration visitation on Tuesday June 14th at Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church (33 Conwell Dr, Maple Glen, PA 19002) from 10:15AM-11:15AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:15AM; Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Catherine's memory to a veteran's charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.