Jean L. Abbey

Jean Louise (Hessler) Abbey, 69, of Hanover, PA, entered God’s eternal home on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at her home with her loving family by her side following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born on February 10, 1949 in Williamsport, PA, she was a daughter of the late John A. and Anna I. (Johnson) Hessler of Muncy, PA. She was the loving wife of Donald A. Abbey with whom she shared 47 years of marriage.

A graduate of Muncy (PA) High School, Jean was awarded her Bachelor’s Degree from Lock Haven State College with a major in Elementary Education/Early Childhood and a Master’s Degree from Towson State College with a major in Early Childhood Education. She was the founding teacher of the Grace United Methodist Preschool, in Hanover, along with her pastor, Rev. Bruce Knisely, and taught for a time at the Trinity United Church of Christ Preschool in Hanover. Her teaching career spanned over 25 years with the Carroll County Public Schools where she taught kindergarten and first grade at several schools. Jean retired from Hampstead Elementary School, in 2005, where she was nominated several times by the community for the “Teacher of the Year” program in Carroll County. She was an active member of Christ’s American Baptist Church, Spring Grove, PA, where she was involved in many ministries over the years, including worship team, adult Christian education, children’s ministries, Bible studies and was a mentor to the MOPs program and to young married couples. Her passions have always involved teaching children while serving her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in any way she could. Jean was also instrumental in establishing an early morning prayer group that met once a week at Hampstead Elementary School. Additionally, Jean enjoyed being with her family and many close friends.

In addition to her husband, Jean is survived by her children, Kristin Abbey Coulson and her husband, Brent, of Hanover, Jonathan Abbey of Lancaster, PA and Ryan Abbey and his wife, Christina, of Chantilly, VA; five grandchildren, William, Brendan and Emma Coulson, and Ava and Finley Abbey; a niece, Kelly Little of South Williamsport, PA; and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce and Granville Hibberd of New Windsor, MD. She was preceded in death by her sister and a brother-in-law, Joyce and William Little, and a nephew, Curtis Little.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Christ’s American Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Rest Haven Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jonathan Abbey, Ryan Abbey, Brent Coulson, Granville Hibberd, Terry Hess, Terry Hoff, Mark Schumacher and Leland Snyder. Honorary pallbearers will be William, Brendan and Emma Coulson.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 PM Friday at Panebaker Funeral Home, 311 Broadway, Hanover.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Christ’s American Baptist Church, 700 Menges Mill Road, Spring Grove, PA 17362 or to Caring Hospice Services, 101 Good Drive, Lancaster, PA 17603.

The family would like to thank the many prayer warriors and friends who have offered support and encouragement through Jean’s illness. Moreover, the family is indebted to Dr. Marc Hirsh and his wonderful staff for the superb and compassionate care they have provided over these many years. In addition, the Abbey’s are grateful to the caregivers from Caring Hospice Services for their support and encouragement during Jean’s final days of illness.