Mrs. Margaret (Jones) Abess

Mrs. Margaret (Jones) Abess, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Whitesboro on April 21, 1934, Margaret was the daughter of the late Robert Henry and Gladys K. (Duesler) Jones. She attended Whitesboro High School. On July 16, 1955 she was joined in marriage to James “Jim” Abess with whom she shared a union centered around family. Together, they enjoyed gardening, fishing, and antiquing to find the right piece at the best price. They also respected each other’s independence and interests. During the years, Margaret was employed by Utica Knitting Mill, Lally Manufacturing, and Tucci’s Laundromat. Her energetic work ethic was fueled by the cherished friendships she made at her workplaces. But Margaret felt that her most important job in life was to care for her family, and she did it well. A sincere and charitable soul, Margaret’s sweet maternal nature enabled her to form unique and special bonds with each of her family members. She also had a hardy sense of humor, self-confidence, and the ability to take a joke and make others laugh with her “words and phrases”. She participated annually in the NY Mills community garage sale as a vendor. She enjoyed word games that challenged her mind and was the luckiest card player who amazingly always beat the odds. Margaret was most proud of instilling honorable values to her daughters and grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Bonnie and John Temple of Whitesboro. Always close to her heart was the memory of her daughter, Joanne O’Dell, who preceded her in death on April 22, 2010. She also leaves her grandchildren, Ron and Michelle O’Dell of Utica, Andy and Kim O’Dell of Lockport, Jamie and Tiffani Temple of Marcy, and Jodie Chapman of Whitesboro; and her great-grandchildren, Daniel and Stone; Andrew and Katie; Tanner and Sophia; Nicole, Zachary, and Connor. She always remembered her great-grandson, James, who passed before her, on April 11, 1999. In addition, she leaves her sister, Jane Williams of Yorkville; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws Douglas Fauteux of Chadwicks, and Fannie Duffany of Sandy Creek. She was predeceased by her brother, Emory Jones; her sister, Eileen Fauteux; and several in-laws. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday from 5:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Margaret's Sending Forth Blessing will be held on Friday evening at 7:00 immediately upon conclusion of visitation at the funeral home. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial donations in Margaret’s honor to the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Foundation in appreciation of the wonderful care that she received; envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

Mrs. Margaret (Jones) Abess

April 21, 1934 - February 25, 2014