Mayme Orma Abbott

Mayme was born in Chicago, Illinois to Maime (Latona) and Phillip Phelps. Seven years later, her sister Virginia joined the family. Mayme, Virginia, and Maime eventually moved to California when Mayme enrolled at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont. Mayme graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History in 1958 and maintained many lifelong friendships with her classmates there. She began her teaching career at Oak Grove School District.

While volunteering at the 1960 Santa Clara County Republican Committee's Lincoln Day Dinner, Mayme met Gordon Abbott. They were married the following January. Mayme and Gordon welcomed children Wendy, Gordon (Gordy) and Philip. Mayme continued her career as a substitute teacher in the Moreland School District. She also served in many volunteer roles, including as President of the Monroe Elementary School Home and School Club and the Del Mar Band Boosters. Mayme was also a master at coordinating the neighborhood car pools for catechism at Saint Martin's Church.

In 1980, Mayme returned full time to the workforce, joining EF Hutton and beginning her financial services career, spanning over 30 years. Mayme supported Fred, Rob, and Brad Frederickson, eventually becoming a Registered Trading Assistant. She move with Brad to Wachovia (later acquired by Wells Fargo Advisors), eventually retiring. After a short time, Mayme decided to return to work and joined Morgan Stanley in a part-time capacity until 2015.

Mayme was an avid Bridge player, and, in an effort to ensure availability of numerous partners, made it her mission to teach as many of her friends as possible. Many caught the Bridge bug and also became players.

During retirement, Mayme devoted her time to serving on the boards of and in leadership positions for the West Valley Republican Women Federated and Italian Catholic Federation and as an Information Booth Volunteer at the San Jose International Airport. Mayme also found spiritual fulfillment as a Lector and Eucharistic Minister at Saint Martin of Tours. She continued to play Bridge as much as possible.

Mayme was devoted to her family and especially loved spending time with her grandchildren:

Patrick Sarsfield, Megan Sarsfield, Matthew Abbott, Sydney Abbott, Nicholas Abbott, Maggie Abbott, and Jeffrey Abbott. Mayme attended all of her grandchildren's events, including Grandparents Day in Dallas, TX; little league, basketball and Lacrosse games in the East Bay; basketball, theater, Tae Kwon Do, and dancing performances in Hollister and Morgan Hill. She attended graduations for all of her grandchildren, including traveling to Texas, Florida, and Indiana. Mayme also traveled to South Carolina to meet her great granddaughter, Allison, and enjoyed having Allison visit her in San Jose.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Association (http://www.alz.org) or consider joining the Italian Catholic Federation (http://www.icf.org-St. Martin of Tours chapter) would be appreciated.