Gertrude E. Abel, age 78, of Wilmington, DE died peacefully on February 2, 2023 surrounded by family.
The daughter of Dr. Hugh and Helen Murphy, she was born and grew up in Brooklyn, NY. Gert was the youngest daughter and the fifth of six children in the Murphy household. She was a proud Brooklynite and had fond memories of her childhood playing in Prospect Park and then later attending Saint Saviour High School. She graduated from Marymount College in Tarrytown, NY with a degree in Education.
It was during college, on a blind date, that she was introduced to the love of her life Clif Abel. Gert and Clif met and fell in love just as he was beginning his military service. A significant amount of their courtship took place over long distance with Gert finishing her studies in New York and Clif serving in the Air Force in Southeast Asia. They were married in 1968 and welcomed their only child, Thomas (Tommy) in 1971.
After Clif’s military service, they began their lives together in Queens and then later in Point Lookout, Long Island. Clif was a civil engineer and worked in the construction industry and after the arrival of Tommy, Gert retired from teaching to focus on her new family. In Point Lookout they were active in the community, Clif serving as Captain of Volunteer Rescue Squad and Gert fundraising for the church and community center.
Gert and Clif later moved to Annandale, NJ where they proudly tended to the “smallest working farm in New Jersey” which they named Point Lookout Orchard. They thoroughly enjoyed the quiet country life and the rolling hills of rural New Jersey. The Abels had made good on their dream to move to the country!
In 1990, they moved to Delaware where Clif joined MBNA to lead construction efforts for the bank’s quickly expanding physical footprint. Shortly after arriving in Delaware they became involved with the Ministry of Caring and found their passion for helping others. More than just fundraising, they each found ways to “roll up their sleeves” and get involved. Gert and Clif were particularly touched by the Ministry’s efforts and programming to support women, mothers, and children. The Guardian Angel Child Care Center was dedicated in their honor. During this same time, the Abels began a family tradition of bringing one family from the Ministry’s Child Care Centers shopping for Christmas. And quickly, what began as one family, grew to over 50 families a year within a decade.
Gert lost Clif in 2006, but her efforts to serve mothers and children never wavered. In his honor, she created the Clif Abel Fund within the Ministry of Caring – continued her fundraising efforts and began providing scholarships to children graduating from the Child Care Centers. Between shopping trips and scholarships, Gert’s efforts directly touched hundreds of families in need.
Gert will be fondly remembered for her love of travel, white zinfandel, pottery, and animals. She was direct, let you know what she thought, and as protective as a Mama Bear. She was active socially, enjoyed hosting events, and always welcomed new friends into her home.
Gert left this world with Tommy and his wife, Liz Abel, by her side. As her health concerns escalated she was preparing for her journey home. The day before she passed, she commented, “my husband is coming to get me.” She was not scared and rejoiced in seeing her beloved “Clify” once again.
Gert was predeceased by her husband, Clif, and siblings Peter Murphy, Frank Murphy, and Julie Cawley. She is survived by her son, Tommy and his wife Liz, as well as siblings Hugh Murphy and MaryJo Gatti.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 5pm to 7pm at Chandler Funeral Home, 2506 Concord Pike, Wilmington, DE 19803. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 10, 2023 at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Oratory, 917 N. Madison Street, Wilmington, DE 19801. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions the Ministry of Caring Clif & Gert Abel Fund to ensure their acts of charity and compassion continue.
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