On April 15, 2021, Eleanor Quirk Abbey passed away peacefully in Galesville, Maryland three days before reaching her 104th birthday. She was born in Erie, PA to Ella and George Quirk. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard. Eleanor graduated high school from St. Mary's Female Seminary (later becoming St. Mary's College of Maryland) in St. Mary's City, Maryland, and then attended the University of Maryland, graduating with a degree in interior design. In 1940, Eleanor was married in Washington D.C. to Maj Gen Richard Abbey, USAF (Ret). For the next 61 years, she traveled as an Air Force wife spending many years in the Washington, DC area, plus Florida, New York, Holland, Oklahoma, Arizona, Colorado, and Montana. She remained the constant for her husband while he served in Italy during WWII and the Vietnam war. Upon her husband's retirement, they settled down in Galesville, Maryland. During her life, Eleanor loved to travel and wanted to learn about "everything". When a tour of duty gave her a temporary home base, her passion for antiques, old maps, sewing, and friends grew. When she couldn't go somewhere, she was reading about it… and all the history that goes with it! She was very active with the Wives Club at each station. While she had many favorites, these groups held her attention: the West Point class of 1940 alumni group, St. Mary's College archeological work in southern Maryland, the Map Society in Washington D.C. that she helped organize and develop, the American Antique Arts Association of Annapolis, Wee Friend Miniature Club, Red Hatters, and various Galesville historical organizations. She always kept in touch with her many friends she met along the way. Survivors include Eleanor's four children: George (Jan), of Sun Lakes, AZ., Steven (Cecelia), of Frisco, TX; William (Eunice), of Parker, CO; and Mary Ann (John) Howell, of Galesville, MD; ten grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. A private family graveside service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. She will be laid to rest at her husband's grave site. In lieu of cards and flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Eleanor Quirk Abbey Scholarship Fund at St. Mary's College of Maryland at 18952 E. Fisher Road, St. Mary's City, Maryland 20686, telephone 240-895-4282. Online condolences may be made to www.hardestyfuneralhome.com
Contributor: Jimmy (48487462)