Edith L. Abbott

Edith Louise Abbott (nee Cornelius), 64, of Hubbard Lake, went home to be with the Lord on August 14th, 2023 after a private battle with cancer. She was born to Nance (Calvin) Loyless and Hubert (Bonnie) Cornelius on September 18th, 1958 in Harrisville. Edie’s real journey began at the age of 18 when she married her soul mate, John Abbott. The couple started out living in a tent in a friend’s backyard until they could afford an apartment. They worked tirelessly to make ends meet for many years, never giving up on the big dreams they had for their future. In 1993, they purchased Abbott Excavating from John’s father and operated a well-respected and successful business until John’s retirement in 2022. Edie was the office manager of the company but was known to drive heavy equipment and do hard labor with a rake and shovel as the need arose, even well into her 60’s. In addition to her full-time contribution to the family company, Edie had many other jobs. She served as the Ossineke township clerk for two terms and later transitioned to the board of trustees; she had tenacity for truth and honor and was willing to publicly stand up to opposition at board meetings and anywhere else. She was very good at debate and was often successful at defending her cause. She was owner and operator of the 100 Acre Woods Farm where she raised and sold organically-raised, free-range beef, pork, sheep, and chicken. Edie was well known for undercharging for her products because her greatest desire was to help others instead of making a profit. Probably her most important and most loved occupation was homeschooling her three children. She had a love for history and science and made them come alive for her pupils. She even built an entire series of books using glue and a press so that her youngest daughter could read historical novels that had been out of print for many decades. Edie had a love of people, a love of nature, and a love of adventure. She spent every minute that she could with her grandkids, regardless of how inconvenient it was for her or how tired she was. She dreamed of she and John riding their motorcycles from their Hubbard Lake home to Alaska and sleeping under the stars at every checkpoint in between. She hoped to live off grid in the middle of the woods somewhere, completely self-sufficient. She loved long walks in the woods, fishing, camping, gardening, farming and anything else that got her close to Creation. She was always optimistic and always smiling…unless somebody tried to pervert the truth or take advantage of somebody she cared about, then she became Mama Bear. The presence of cancer could not destroy Edie’s positive and happy demeanor. From the onset of her diagnosis 11 months ago to the realization that the grueling treatments would not be successful at extending her life, Edie never felt sorry for herself and was always accepting of God’s will for her. Her attitude about sickness and death was as much a testimony as was her life. Knowing that her time on earth was drawing to a close and wanting to express their undying love for one another, John and Edie renewed their vows in the presence of their children on August 12th, 2023, with the assistance of the hospital chaplain. Edie is survived by her loving husband of 46 years, John Abbott; 3 children: John Vincent (aka JV), Casey (Robert) Odell, and Mekayla (Dominic) DeRosia; 8 grandchildren: Lexy, Connor, Gunnar, TJ, Brayleigh, and Brooklyn Odell, and Rylee and Delilah DeRosia; one great-grandson: Ryker Matthews; and her mother, Nance Loyless. Edie is preceded in death by her father, Hubert Cornelius and her step-father, Calvin Loyless. The hearts of those who knew Edie well are devastated by her absence but anxiously await the day they can be reunited in Paradise. Funeral services will be held at the Ossineke United Methodist Church on Saturday, August 26th, at 11:00 am with doors opening at 10:30 am. Luncheon will follow. Pending weather conditions, Edie’s urn will be transported to the Hubbard Lake Cemetery for burial on her beloved Harley Davidson. Family and friends wishing to participate are encouraged to transport themselves on motorcycle also if able to do so. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Edith L. Abbott, please visit our flower store.