Polly M. Abeling
Abeling, Polly M. After a long illness at the Willows Rehab. and Nursing Center in Woodbridge on April 8, 2008. Polly M. Eldridge Abeling, 88, wife of 63 years to Edwin J. Abeling of Woodbridge. Mother and mother-in-law of Michael and Patricia Abeling of Venice, FL, John S. and Cynthia Abeling of Tucson, AZ and Jeffrey and Teresa Abeling of North Haven. Also survived by 3 granddaughters, Kristina Pitts of Pacifica, CA, Alyssa C. and Elizabeth C. Abeling, both of North Haven, 2 great-grandsons Michael and Maxwell Pitts of Pacifica, CA, 2 step-grandsons Blake Grey of Denver, CO and Timothy Blum of San Jose, CA, 3 nieces, Kathryn Lindquist of Palm Harbor, FL, Katherine Henson of Gilbertsville, KY and Patsy Shirkey of Paducak, KY, sister of the late Leila Grief, Charles Eldridge, Leland Eldridge and Rudy Eldridge. Polly was born on Nov. 28, 1919 in Almo, KY, a daughter of the late Albert and Catherine Calhoun Eldridge. She attended Murray State University on Murray, KY and was a graduate of St. Joseph's Hospital School of Nursing, Lexington, KY. She worked as a Registered Nurse at Grace Hospital, Detroit, MI until her marriage. Polly was a member of Bethesda Lutheran Church in New Haven for 45 years and served on the church council. She was a member of the Garden Club of Woodbridge and a Life Member of the Federated Garden Club of CT. She always exhibited and won awards at the flower shows, she loved flowers. Polly served on the Town of Woodbridge Conservation Commission and was instrumental in establishing the community gardens and also was a member of the Woodbridge Club. Friends may call Friday, April 18, 2008 from 5-8 pm at BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 WHITNEY AVE., HAMDEN. Friends are further invited to join the family on Sat. at 11 am for a Memorial Service at Bethesda Lutheran Church followed by interment at Eastside Cemetery, Woodbridge. Memorial Contributions may be made to Bethesda Lutheran Church, 305 St. Ronan St., New Haven, CT or to CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405.
Dear Abeling family, Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I always admired Polly so very much…indeed she was Aunt Polly to us. I have always treasured memories of her. She was so very sweet and warm and accomplished and most of all memorable. A wonderful role model. We have kept the things she gave mother as family treasures. Even today, mom has a little shell mirror in her room to remind her off a very special friend. Rosamund Pilcher is one of my favorite authors and it ment so much to me that she left us with the lovely quote. How very like her. All my love and deepest condolences.
Dear Ed, We are sorry that we were unable to express our sympathy to you and your family in person on the death of Polly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Ann and Gene O’Brien
Dear Uncle Ed, Aunt Polly loved you very much. In every conversation we had, she always said how lucky she is to have you. I always admired her ability to cook such wonderful meals. Everything was so fresh, healthy, and devinely tasty. She seemed to do it all so effortlessly. Aunt Polly was as beautiful as the flowers she loved. While Kathie Henson and I share some of our Aunt Polly’s personality traits, Kathie is luckier because she resembles Aunt Polly. When I looked at Aunt Polly, I saw her mother, my grandmother. What a treat! Now, when I see Kathie, I’ll see them both. That will be a treat. My heart breaks for you. Love and hugs, Kathy
Dear Uncle Ed, Michael, Steve, Jeff and Family, May peace be with you all during this very difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that you are surrounded by love and people that care, whether they are beside you now or sending warm thoughts across the miles. I have the most wonderful memories of you and Aunt Polly. One vivid memory was of when my family came to visit you in CT when I was in high school. I remember waking up one morning to the smell of blueberry pancakes, made with blueberries that were picked fresh that very morning. When we arrived at the breakfast table Aunt Polly was putting the finishing touches on bouquets of flowers picked fresh from her gardens. I will never forget the touches she provided to make every moment special. She gave me a crystal pitcher one year for a special occasion. She sensed I would put it up on a shelf to admire. She told me it was to be used, not put away. She said it didn’t matter if I used it for ice water or lemonade, but it was to be used and enjoyed. That is what I learned from Aunt Polly: Make every day special. Use your best linens,china, crystal, etc., every day. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Every day should be special. Aunt Polly has touched every person she has met in a very special way. Her spirit lives on in every memory that we have and every story that we share. May you rejoice in her memories and celebrate her life. Peace be with you all. Love, Lin
Dear Uncle Ed, Steve, Mike, Jeff and family, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. It is always hard to say goodbye, and although she wasn’t well for quite some time, we always want just a bit more time with the ones we love. I have such terrific memories of her. As a little girl I remember her entertaining me by letting me float little toy boats in your bathroom sink while visiting. And boy what a wonderful southern accent- She seemed so ‘exotic’ to me and larger than life. As an adult I came to appreciate her charm, warmth and humor. She was such a kick to be around and the sound of her laughter will always be with me. I share these small but cherished memories with you as a way I hope- for you to find comfort in knowing that I hold her close to my heart and always will. Uncle Ed you have shown such care and devotion to Aunt Polly what a wonderful tribute to your 63 years of marriage. Please know that we ‘Lincoln girls’ think so highly of the person you are and the strength of character you have shown. We are very proud of you and are here if you need us. with all my love, Robin
Jeff and family, So sorry for your loss, sorry we couldn’t be there this weekend but you are in our thoughts and prayers, MIke and Trish Flood
Jeff and Steve- I am so very sorry to read of the passing of your mom. It’s never easy to lose a parent at any age. Jeff, I will never forget the arrangement she made for me out of dried roses – which I passed on to a then current girlfriend.Talented woman. Hope all else is well. Sandy
My Aunt Polly will be missed by so many but I know that she will be tending God’s Garden in Heaven. She has left me with many memories that I will carry with me for life. I spent the summer when I turned 15 years of age with the Abeling family. I remember it with such love and good memories now. I was the only girl that summer with a house of three boys. It opened my eyes to a world I had never seen with travel, exceptional food, and brothers. I just know that my gardening skills that I have now were passed on thru Aunt Polly’s love of gardening. Uncle Ed’s patience and the boys being there to help me grow up with an idea of how to deal with being a part of a much larger family than mine…. Aunt Polly you will be missed by many with lots of loving memories! Kathie Henson
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will always hold my wonderful memories of Aunt Polly close to my heart. Her smile, laughter, hugs and sense of humor will not be forgotten. Her warmth and wisdom will be always be cherished by me. Love to you all, Sharon
We are so sorry for you lose. We loved Polly very much as you know. We will always remember her and her beautiful gardens. Love Fran and Carol
We were sorry to hear of Polly’s passing. We know that her warmth and friendliness has been missing at Bethesda for some time. She will be missed by all who knew her. Ma her memory be blessed among you.