Barbara Ann Abell, 73, of Clements, MD, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family after a long battle with cancer on July 15, 2011. Born on April 18, 1938 in Hollywood, MD, she was the daughter of the late Claude E. Abell and Catherine Abell.

She was the loving wife of 55 years to John B. Abell whom she married in St. John's Catholic Church in Hollywood, MD on June 16, 1956.

Mrs. Abell is survived by her children; Beverly Ann Abell, John Michael Abell, Joseph Gregory Abell, Charles Vincent Abell, Barbara Jean Norris, William Anthony Abell, and Robert Lee Abell all of Clements, MD. Mrs. Abell is also survived by her siblings; Joseph Kenneth Abell, Jeanette Cameron, Eileen Tippett, Mary Evelyn Brugman, and grandchildren Michelle Ann Stenstrom, Woodrow Wilson Norris, III, Sara Jean Norris, Rebecca Ann Norris, great grandchildren; Brittney Moore, and Cameron Stenstrom.

Mrs. Abell is preceded in death by a son Thomas Booth Abell and one brother James Claude "Buck" Abell. Barbara was a homemaker and farmed with her husband and family she enjoyed; cooking, country music, flowers, shopping, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and most of all her beloved husband John B. Mrs. Abell was a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home where prayers will be recited at 7:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 10:00 AM in St. John's Catholic Church, Hollywood, MD with Fr. John Dakes officiating. Interment will follow in Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD. Pallbearers will be; Tommy Bowles, Perry Guy, Frankie Cameron, Chris Brugman, David Abell, and Jimmy Farr. Honorary Pallbearers will be; Timmy Cameron, Tommy Farr, Ricky Farr, Woody Norris and Sara Norris.

Contribution made in the memory of Barbara Ann Abell may be made to St. John's Catholic Church, 43950 St. John's Road, Hollywood, MD 20636.

Arrangements provided by Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home.