ISABEL COX ABBOTT

UNION – Isabel Cox Abbott, 88, died peacefully Aug. 2, 2007, at Tall Pines Facility, Belfast, after a brief illness. Isabel was born Aug. 24, 1918, to Wilbur C. and Caroline Kelsey Abbott. She grew up in Union and attended Union schools, graduating from high school, Class of 1936. Isabel graduated from Colby College in 1940 with a Bachelor of Arts in biology. Isabel was an active Colby alumnus and attended many of Colby’s alumni events. She attended her 60th class reunion in 2000. After graduating from Colby, Isabel trained at Taunton State Hospital, Taunton, Mass., for one year before going to work as a lab technician at the Maine Eye & Ear Infirmary, Portland. She then worked briefly at Bangor Mental Health Institute, again as a lab technician, before returning home. In 1944, Isabel and her sister, Susan, started Susabel’s, a successful retail clothing business on the village common in Union. After her sister moved from Union, Isabel continued to run Susabel’s for another 39 years, before selling her business to retire in 1983. Susabel’s was a landmark in Union for locals and visitors alike for almost 40 years. Isabel’s passion for community service and civic duty was demonstrated in many areas. In 1947, she became town clerk and served in this capacity until 1954. In addition to being town clerk, Isabel also served on the planning board for several years and as an election clerk. In 1955, she was instrumental in founding the Union Chamber of Commerce and stayed very active in this organization until just recently. She became the secretary of the Chamber of Commerce in 1962 and served until 1964, when she became president and served in this capacity through 1966. She remained on the board of trustees for many years. In 1956 to 1958, she served as president of the Women’s Community Club. From 1948 to 1975, she served as secretary for Vose Library, on the board of directors and as vice president. During her 25-year service to the Union Fair, she served for many years as a trustee, chairlady of the State of Maine Blueberry Festival, superintendent of the Exhibition Hall and had always been a loyal supporter of the Mathew’s Museum of Maine Heritage. In 1974, Isabel was appointed general chairlady of Union’s three day bicentennial celebration and was involved with the Maine Community Betterment Program, which resulted in many activities and events that earned Union a first place award. Since the Union Historical Society was formed, Isabel had been involved in nearly every project undertaken and was president in 1975. In 1986, she was co-chairperson of the drive to restore Union’s old town hall and was chairperson of the town hall committee until recently. Isabel belonged to the Zonta Club, Daughters of the American Revolution, Mayflower Society and was very active in the Union Senior Citizen’s group. For the 1978 Founder’s Day event, the citizens of Union honored Isabel with a whole day of festivities for all the things she had done for the town. Hundreds of friends and neighbors turned out to pay tribute. In 1999, the Union town report was dedicated to Isabel. The dedication reads, “We are proud to dedicate this 1999 town report to one of Union’s most beloved citizens: Isabel Abbott.” In 2001, the town again honored her by dedicating Abbott Way as a new Union common road. Isabel had a lifelong interest in her family’s genealogy and was constantly researching the latest lead for more information. She passed on the bounty of her research of her family history to her nieces and nephews. Isabel loved to travel and visited many of the countries of Europe several times. She loved her dog, Kelsey and had a special place in her heart for the Border collie breed. She is survived by her only sibling, Susan Abbott Farris of Union; and her sister’s family, Jane Szabronski of Searsport, Roger Farris Jr. of Jefferson, Dale Farris of Cumberland, Lorraine Moore of Old Orchard Beach; several cousins, including, John Abbott and Jayne Abbott and several great-nieces, great-nephews, several great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews. Isabel was a devoted sister, aunt, friend and neighbor. She will be remembered by all as a very special person who enriched the lives of others. In keeping with Isabel’s wishes, a private family graveside ceremony will be held. Contributions may be made in Isabel’s name to W.P. Thomas Scholarship Fund, care of Camden National Bank, P.O. Box 135, Union, ME 04862. Arrangements entrusted to Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Waldoboro.