Blanche Elizabeth Abernethy, 83, of Mechanicsville, MD died December 16, 2006 in Colton Point, MD.

Born April 29, 1923 in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late Charles J. Yingling and Blanche M. Fugitt Yingling. Blanche married Leo Xavier Abernethy in Washington, DC and moved to Morningside, MD. As they outgrew their home, the family moved to Accokeek, MD, where they lived until the late 70s. With much of the family grown, Leonardtown, MD was the chosen as the ideal location to relax and enjoy the empty nest. Blanche lived a long life of service not only to her family, but also she volunteered with the Maryland Democratic Club, was a lifetime member of the Morningside Fire & Rescue Ladies Auxiliary, and a Library Board Trustee for both Prince George's and St. Mary's counties. After losing her husband to cancer in 1989, Blanche was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. For her last 10 years, she was under the care of Ms. Dale Claytor of Colton Point, MD, whose loving hands and heart kept Blanche strong and comfortable. Blanche will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by all. She was always strong, ever caring, and taught us all even more of how to live in her later years.

Blanche is survived by her sons; Leo Abernethy of Columbia, MD, Wayne Abernethy of Mechanicsville, MD, Tom Abernethy of Accokeek, MD, Don Abernethy of Glen Burnie, MD and Mike Abernethy of Columbia, MD, daughters; Elizabeth Patton-Feeney of Nokesville, VA, Mary Perry-Fox of Welcome, MD, Catherine Henderson of Nokesville, VA, and Joanie Barr of Mechanicsville, MD, 17 grandchildren, and 6 great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Blanche Ringley.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 20, 2006 from 5- 8:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD with prayers being recited at 6:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, December 21, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Newtowne, Leonardtown, MD. Reverend John Mattingly will be the celebrant. Interment will follow in the Maryland Veterans Cemetery, Cheltenham, MD at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Southern Maryland Office, P.O. Box 1889, La Plata, MD 20646.