Mary Louise Abrahamson

On June 16, 2023, Mary Louise Abrahamson completed her peaceful journey to a joyful reunion with the many loved ones who had passed before her. She was surrounded by her loving family and special friends at The Fountains Senior Living Community. Mary was born on June 2, 1941, and spent 82 years gracing the world with her beautiful presence.

Mary had many hobbies throughout her life including sewing (oh the lovely outfits she made for her girls), crochet/knitting (how about those afghans), dancing, camping, gardening, bird watching and journaling her sightings and daily adventures. She was also very detailed oriented working at the local grocery store, as a keypunch operator (before computers were invented) and as a bookkeeper/accounting/data entry clerk at various companies throughout her career. In addition to always working, Mary volunteered as a Girl Scout leader for her daughters’ troops. She experienced much love and heartbreak in her life but always maintained her sweet and kind nature as she continued to write her story.

Act I: Met Ralph Milligan when his car broke down near her parents’ home. He knocked on the door and was immediately charmed by her sparkling blue eyes and cute dimples. Ralph asked her out on date before he left. They married on May 25, 1962. They lived in Milo, Iowa where they raised their two daughters, Andrea and Debra before moving to Lake Ponderosa and then to Indianola, Iowa. Ralph and Mary spent nearly 33 years together before his passing in 1995.

Act II: Met Melvin “Wink” Abrahamson through mutual friends. They connected because of shared experiences and a mutual love of camping, music and dancing. They married on July 3, 1997, and moved to Chariton, Iowa. Mary became a second mom to Julie and grandma to her children. Mary and Wink spent 23 years together before his passing in 2020.

Act III: Mary moved to Bettendorf, Iowa in December 2020 and lived at The Fountains Senior Living community where she continued to touch lives and make new friends. Although Mary was often quiet, she was always listening and was quick with a smile or funny comeback when least expected. She made so many special connections there and her story will live on.

Mary was preceded in death by her husbands, Ralph and Melvin; her parents Floyd and Mildred; her brothers Floyd Jr, Henry and Scott.

Mary is survived by her daughters Andrea (Rick) and Debra; stepdaughter Julie (Bryan); and her grandchildren Madison, Cooper, Wesley, Spencer, Brianna, Samuel and Jessie; along with many special cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family is incredibly grateful for the staff at The Fountains and the care providers from St. Croix Hospice. They are truly angels on earth and their love for Mary and support for the family was much appreciated.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on June 24, 2023, at Fielding Funeral home in Chariton, Iowa with a visitation one hour prior starting at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to The Fountains Senior Living (please note “The Cascades” in the memo section) at 3726 Thunder Ridge Rd, Bettendorf, IA 52722 or The Foundation (St. Croix Hospice) at 4215 E 60th, Suite 9, Davenport IA 52807.

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