Mertie Ethel Abbott (1924-2019)

FARMINGTON – Mertie Ethel Abbott, 94, passed away on March 13, 2019 at Franklin Memorial Hospital with her family by her side.

She was born in Phillips on June 6, 1924, daughter of the late Carroll and Cynthia “Pat” (Hinkley) Huntington. She graduated from Phillips High School in the class of 1943. On March 11, 1944, Mertie married her long time, best friend, Lewis R. Abbott in Phillips. That is when together, they built their home, which they always lived in. Into this home full of love, they had two children, Elaine Abbott Holbrook and Michael Abbott.

Mertie was an active member in the early years of the North Franklin Snowmobile Club. She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Phillips where she helped with numerous dinners. For over 40 years, she was a proud member of the Phillips Home Makers extension group. For a while, she served as the group’s president, but was an active member until 1998, when the group stopped meeting due to lack of members.

Mertie was a devoted wife, loving Mom and the BEST (great, great) Grammie ever. She based her life on her family and caring for them, even the ones that found their way to her table. She was known by some, as the best pie maker in the county.

Mertie loved hunting (everyone that ever hunted with her has a story), snowmobiling, camping with all the family and friends, all the get-togethers, and cooking all those holiday meals. In her younger years, she loved to dance. She loved her crafts and spent many hours making something for the grandchildren. Decorating for each holiday was her past time, especially Christmas. The last few years, she and Lewis enjoyed feeding the birds and watching the new ones come.

Mertie is survived by daughter, Elaine Holbrook and husband Cecil; son, Michael Abbott and companion Linda Ford; grandchildren, Karen Holbrook and companion Keith Brewer, Taren Bate and husband Craig, Micha Sabouk and husband Michael, Cubby Abbott and wife Jennifer, and Dulcey Holbrook; great grandchildren, Justin Holbrook, Hillary Holbrook, Heather Jo Beedy, Josh Beedy, Taylor Lane, Hunter Bate, and Haley Bate; great, great grandchildren, Rylee Holbrook, Aaron Holbrook, Cody Perry, Jayson Foss, Airyca Scott Beedy, Aylssa Scott, Tory Abbott, and Mason Abbott; sister, Betty Bredeau; sisters in-law, Dot Abbott and Ella Wilber; several nieces and nephews (all that are like her own); best friend, Pat Farwell and husband Doug; and cousin, Jean Carlow.

She was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Lewis Abbott; grandson, Aaron Holbrook; cousin Velma Cousineau; brothers in-law, Richard Bredeau, Clyde, Lendall, James, Earl, Carl, Harold, and John Abbott; and sister in-law, Ester Abbott.

Donations in Mertie’s memory may be made to the Aaron Holbrook Scholarship Fund, c/o Franklin Savings Bank, 197 Main St., PO Box 825, Farmington, ME 04938.

On Tuesday, March 19, 2019, visitation will be held from 5 to 6 p.m., with a funeral service to begin at 6 p.m., at Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 488 Farmington Falls Rd., Farmington, ME 04938. A reception will follow at the funeral home. Interment will be at the Sand Hill Cemetery in Phillips, later in the spring.