1929
2013
DOROTHY M. ABEL, 84, of Harrisburg, passed away Monday, November 25, 2013, in the Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg. Born March 8, 1929, in Harrisburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Park and Mildred (Signor) Smaling, Sr. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Abel, her brother, Park Smaling, Jr., and a stepson, Lawrence Abel.
She retired from the Dauphin County Courthouse and worked part time for Central Fill-Express Script. She was an avid Eagles, Phillies and Flyers fan and loved gardening.
She is survived by two daughters; Lydia Appleby and her husband, Rick, of Hummelstown, and Diane Riskie and her husband, Richard, of Arnold, MD; a son, Stephen Abel and his companion, Judi Sarkees, of West Chester; 3 granddaughters, Jennifer Doud, Catherine Riskie, and Rebecca Gannon; 2 great grandsons, John Joseph Doud, Jr. and Benjamin Arthur Gannon; her sister, Dolores Ortenzio of Palmyra, a brother, Earl Smaling of New Cumberland, and her special friend and caregiver, Jeanne Eckman.
A funeral service will be held Friday, November 29, 2013, at 11:00 am, in the Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry Street, Harrisburg, with a visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will be in Mt. Moriah Cemetery, Harrisburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Frontotemporal Degeneration Association, AFTD, Radnor Station Building 2, Suite 320, 290 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087, attn.: Cortical Basal Ganglionic Degeneration, or to the Humane Society, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111,
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
December 9, 2013
April LaFleur
I am so sorry to hear of Dottie's passing. She always made me smile when she was a member at Derry Street Curves.
December 9, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about your mother passing away. I worked with Dottie in the Register of Wills office and she was a very lovely person to work with. I always appreciated her friendship. We had some good times to gether. If it wasn't for her I would have never met my husband.
Andrea Henry (Andy)
November 30, 2013
jeanne Eckman
November 27, 2013
Evelyn Doud
To Dianne, Lydia, Steve and their families;
We will always remember your Mom and feel very fortunate to have known her. She was a wonderful woman who was warm and caring and had a way of touching your heart.
May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
Love Michael & Evelyn Doud
November 27, 2013
Dear Family,
Dottie worked with me in the Register of Wills office and she was a very special person. I enjoyed her wonderful smile and kind ways and will always remember her with warm feelings.Sincerely, Jane Marfizo
November 27, 2013
Dear Di, Lyd, and Steve,
I will always remember the way your Mom could light up a room with her smile and her fun laugh. She was a very special lady, and she will be deeply missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rose and Glenn Lore
November 27, 2013
Jean Marfizo King
The entire Dauphin County Register of Wills office was sad to hear of Dottie's passing. Both former Registers Jane Marfizo and Sandy Snyder said that "Everyone loved Dottie!" We are so sorry for your loss. We are sending a donation in Dottie's memory to the Humane Society.
November 27, 2013
Dear Abel Family,
Mrs. Dot was a wonderful neighbor of ours for years at Hamilton Park. We stayed above her and enjoyed her kind comments and hospitality. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy and she spoke of them often. Now that we have a home of our own we think back on those days fondly as we remember the wonderful smells of Mrs. Dot's cooking and her smiling face as we came and left the complex. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and many friends. May God comfort you,
Chris and Susan Martin
November 26, 2013
Brenishia (Bree) Sinclair
Family,
You have my deepest condolences at this time. I am truly sorry for your loss. Although Ms.Dottie was with me for a short period of time, she definitely had an impact on my life more than you know. I will forever cherish my memories with her, and she will be watching over me. I love you guys and you are in my prayers.
November 26, 2013
Sylvia Kerstetter
November 26, 2013
Dear Lydia,
I am Dorothy G. Abel. I had a baby girl in the Polyclinic Hospital two days after you were born. I only met your mother on one or two occasions during all these years but always was aware of her. It was strange for me to see her obit on the computer today (I am in Florida). You and your family have our deepest sympathy.
November 26, 2013
Lydia, Rick, and family,
So sorry to hear about Dot's passing. We always looked forward to seeing her and jokes and pranks she was going to bring with her. We will miss her laugh, smile, and sense of humor.
Franco, Jodi, and Lauren
ps- We know she's rooting for the Steelers and Penguins!
November 26, 2013
Ginny Gray
Lydia & Family,
So sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. She was a delight to know her. My deepest sympathy to all of you.
November 26, 2013
Rose Buford
I am sorry to read about your loss for the bible says of the Almighty:"He is a God ,not of the dead,but of the living,for they are all living to him" Luke 20:37,38 I hope this will bring you comfort.
November 26, 2013
Roslyn Savalovitz
Dear Lydia, Diane & Steve,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your dear mother. I will always remember her laugh and the good times on Waldo St. I still have the beautiful card she sent me when my mother passed away. With sincerely sympathy.
November 26, 2013
FM Brandon, FL
My deepest sorrow and tears to the family of the deceased. May these words bring you hope and consolation: "...Hear the promise God has made: He will call; the dead will answer. They shall live at his command. For he has a longing for the work of his own hand..." See John 14: 13-15, John 6: 40; 11: 11, 43; Jas. 4: 14
November 26, 2013
Sylvia Kerstetter
I am so very sorry in the passing of Dot. I know that she will be sadly missed by her family and Jeanne. May God wrap his arms around you, Lydia, and your entire family.
November 26, 2013
Helen Pugh Moyer
I am sorry to hear of your loss of Dorothy. Most of my contact was with Dolores in high school. May God bless you all as you work through this loss.
November 26, 2013
Jeff Mann
Steve, I am very sorry for the loss of your Mother. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
November 26, 2013
Eileen & Jim Bell
That smile will always be Mrs. Abel to me. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
November 26, 2013
Kimberly Alexander
Dear family, I loved Dorothy! I had the wonderful opportunity to be her nurse many years ago at Dr. Alexanders office. We both treasured our time with her. I am sorry for your loss.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more