Madelle (Sally) Elizabeth Abbott

My aunt passed away last week; she was my mother's brother's wife.

Madelle (Sally) Elizabeth Abbott of San Dimas, California died on August 6, 2009 from pneumonia due to Leukemia.

Sally was born, July 3, 1932 in Seattle, Washington. Sally grew up in Seattle and spent her summers on Harstine Island in Washington. Sally attended UC Davis and graduated UC Berkley with a BA degree in Sociology. In 1955 she married Spencer Earl Abbott and they moved to the Charter Oak/San Dimas area to build their life together.

Sally was a perpetual volunteer. She spent 16 years as a Camp Fire Girl Leader with 5 years on the training committee specializing in teaching the leaders how to cook outdoors with the girls and received many awards. She volunteered at Charter Oak School District for over 6 years concentrating in instructional aides and bulletin boards. Additionally, she volunteered for Boy Scouts, La Verne YMCA and 4-H. She enjoyed judging the baking and sewing entries entries at local 4-H fairs and the Los Angeles County Fair.

Sally was an excellent seamstress from sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren to constructing fine suits, luggage and ski clothes. Anywhere she would travel would include a stop at a fabric store. Sewing lead her to a wonderful group of friends after she retired.

Sally was a Home Economics Teacher at Chaparral Middle School in Diamond Bar from 1976 to 1990. Her love of cooking and sewing was infectious to all. The smell of food baking would permeate the school and her love of travel would lead her to Europe chaperoning student tours.

Sally was a major contributor for the acquisition and management of the the rental property that would become their retirement fund.

Sally traveled the West Coast and Mexico for over 50 years joyfully with her husband and family in their motor home every summer visiting family and friends. She also enjoyed spending a month every year in Smoot, Wyoming on her ranch.

She collected iris which brought a rainbow of colors to her garden every spring which she shared with all. Everyone that knew her will remember her every time they see an iris.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents; Charles James and Madelle Elizabeth Widrig and her brother James Murrin Widrig.

Sally is survived by her husband, Spencer Abbott. Her sister, Carol Widrig of Seattle, WA and sister in-law, Patty Widrig of Gig Harbor, Washington. Her three children: Kathleen Bennet and husband Ed of San Dimas, Raymond Abbott of San Dimas, and Jill Serna of Henderson, Nevada. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Bryce Hulet, Danielle Serna, Kevin Serna and two great-granddaughters; Taylor and Trinity.

Sally will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and friend to all that she met. We who loved her are grateful for her life and her example. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to your favorite charity.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, August 30th at Todd's Memorial Chapel in Pomona at 570 North Garey Avenue with lunch following at the Sheraton Fairplex.