Rosemary Abell, age 83, died after a brief illness, surrounded by family, friends and the caring staff at Hospice House in Callaway, Maryland on June 27, 2015. Born September 22, 1931 in Washington D. C. she moved to St. Mary's County as a youth and attended St. Mary's Academy in Leonardtown. There she met and ultimately married her high school sweetheart Joseph W. "Joe Dick" Abell on January 3, 1951. They were married for 49 years before his death in July 1999.

Our parents both loved their Catholic faith and sent us to Catholic schools even though it was somewhat of a financial burden to them. Mom loved of the Blessed Mother to us and said The Holy Rosary each day for our family intentions.

Rosemary loved life on the water. Many happy days were spent on our pier fishing and crabbing. She looked forward to the first crabs of the season and savored every bite with a special mayonnaise and Old Bay™ family-secret crab dip. And each summer for as long as we can remember, we all visited Ocean City to watch the beautiful waves and take in the wonder of God's creation.

Rosemary loved spending time with her large boisterous family. Everyone she knew could always count on her for supportive and witty conversation. She encouraged us all to "bloom wherever we're planted" and strive to be our best. Rosemary enjoyed reading, working the daily Washington Post ™ crossword puzzle, and feeding her song birds. She had a beautiful singing voice and loved music.

However, her proudest achievement was working as a Daycare Provider for over 35 years. Known as "Nanny" to many, she loved it when her "daycare kids" returned to her side to update her on their lives. She truly loved them all and they became extended family to us.

Rosemary's children include Rick Abell (Denise) of Sterling Heights, Michigan, Kathy Wells (Dale) of Marbury MD, Suzanne O'Connor (Brian) of Annandale VA, Mary Johnson (Danny) of Hollywood MD, Chris Abell (Charlotte) of Fort Washington MD.
Rosemary was blessed with 6 amazing Grandchildren. She loved Prudence, Becca, Ethan, Elizabeth, Ian, and Tyler with all her heart. Her 5 lovable great-Grandchildren River, Rosemary Clementine, Calliope, Rain, and Asher were a great joy to her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church, 21370 Newtown Neck Road, Leonardtown, MD on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens at 26325 Point Lookout Road, Leonardtown MD 20650. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice House, Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650. Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home