Geraldine “Gerre” Abel, age 76 of Lowell, passed away on January 17, 2023. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Evelyn Briggs. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Terry; daughters, Angie (Brad) Plutschouw, Kathie Malone; grandchildren, Katie (Jacob) VanDyke, Meghan Plutschouw, Jack, Aiden, and Lauren Malone; great-grandchildren, Grayson and Kaiden VanDyke; brother, John (Barb) Briggs; sisters, Wanda Buck, Caralyn Jamison; brothers and sisters-in-law, Marlene McCormick, Orison (Addie) Abel, Doug (Terrie) Abel, Jane Comp; and several nieces and nephews. Gerre passed away peacefully at home after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis. She was a lifelong resident of Lowell and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, then graduated from Lowell High School. Gerre was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved going to garage sales when she was able and was an avid reader. When she became homebound, she enjoyed watching Law and Order and Andy Griffith reruns. Visitation will be held 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM, Monday, January 23, 2023, at Roth-Gerst Chapel, 305 N. Hudson St., Lowell, MI 49331. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 402 Amity St. SE, Lowell, MI 49331, with visitation one hour prior. Father Rev. Michael Goodwin officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St., SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546, https://faithhospicecare.org/donate/
8 Responses
She was the best 2nd in line to her mother as being more like a grandmother to me than an aunt. I spent as much time with her as I did with her mother, my grandma and I loved them both very much. I will miss talking about Law & Order with her. She’s the one that got me started in watching it. She loved my son Dane very much and was very proud of him. She loved when he came to visit. Dane and I will miss you so very much. We love you aunt Gerri.
There are no words that tell the story of how wonderful a sister and BEST friend you were to me. You are already missed. No more suffering, just lots of love.
Thank you Terry for taking such wonderful care of my beautiful sister.
Gerre will be missed by many and specially by her devoted husband, I wish we could have visited more often as we did in our younger years.
She is now resting in peace
Our sympathy to Gerre’s and Terry’s families. We know you are grieving the loss of Gerre but are relieved she is no longer in pain or discomfort. Sending our love, Rick and Carol Briggs
Remember Gerre from High School. Always had a smile on her face and fun to be with. Shared days of Pom Pom practice with her. My heart goes out to her family. She is in God’s hands now and can rest peacefully.
I always thought she was so beautiful! And, she was just as kind as she was beautiful!
Behind a great coach is a great wife. She understood the enormous time commitment it takes to be a great coach, mentor and friend. She understood that you, Coach Abel, poured your heart and soul into developing the best student athletes and that these young people were now an extension of your family. Thank you, Gerre, for being selfless and allowing so many of us to be a part of your extended family. Godspeed and rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy to Terry and family. Gerri was such a nice person. You Terry were such a devoted and loving husband. So sorry that I missed her funeral as I was out of town but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
May God comfort you.