Mary Gail Abernathy

 

Mary Gail Edna Abernathy passed away peacefully January 25, 2025.

Mary Gail was born April 17, 1934 to Lester and LaVerne Thoma in Rochester, MN. She married Harold Abernathy October 29, 1950. Together they farmed various farms around the Dover and Eyota areas eventually settling on a farm south of Dover. Mary Gail went back to school and earned her GED. She then went on to earn her bachelors degree in accounting. She did this while raising a family, driving school bus, helping with the farm and working with DHIA dairy testing. After obtaining her degree she worked at accounting firms in Rochester.

Mary Gail enjoyed genealogy and traveling and combined the two with trips throughout the United States with friends. She also was an avid gardener. She loved her kids but was so happy to have grandkids. She was thrilled when her great grandson was born. In her 70s she went to work at the Dover post office. She loved keeping up on what was happening in the area.

Mary Gail was preceded in death by her mother, father, husband Harold, and son Hal (Duluth, MN), and grandson Adam Ness.

She is survived by her three children. Connie Abernathy-Ness (Hayfield, MN), Jerry (Jill) Abernathy (Dover, MN), and Jayne (Mark) Whiteside (Winchendon, MA). She is also survived by 6 grandchildren: Jessica (Terry) Callahan of Billings, MT and her great grandson Arthur; Joe Abernathy of Dover, MN; Justin Ness of Rapid City, SD; Katrina Whiteside of Atlanta, GA; Seth Whiteside of Asheville, NC; and Elyse Whiteside of Portland, OR. She is also survived by her brother Larry (Faye) Thoma and nieces and nephews.

Mary Gail had a wonderful 90th birthday celebration in April 2024 and requested we not have a service but a private family burial will take place at a later time.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice, Edenbrook Nursing Home, and Olmsted Hospital for their care the last few weeks of her life. Mary Gail also made many friends at Eyota Arbor Garden Place.

9 thoughts on “Mary Gail Abernathy

  1. Dear Jayne, Connie and Jerry, so sorry for your loss. I so appreciated your mother keeping in touch with me. I hope you will continue. Need to keep this Abernath(e)y connection going. My new address is: 3225 51st Street S, Fargo ND 58104-7180
    Take care of each other, Carole Abernathey

  2. Dearest Connie, Jayne, Jerry and families.
    We surround each of you with peace, hope, comfort and love. MaryGail was a blessing to so many people and we were blessed by her presence in our lives. We will continue to shine the light of MaryGail as she brought a smile and always an excellent historian. The Abernathy families with always hold a special remembrance of times together, especially when we were just kids. Thank You for those great memories.
    Blessings In Faith,
    Nancy Whitcomb and Deborah Vosler

  3. Dear Connie, Jerry and Jane,
    We are so sorry to hear that your Mom has passed away.
    I remember enjoying working for your Mom and Dad on the farm.
    I thought so much of them.
    I was thankful to have had the opportunity to know and work for them.
    You all are blessed to have had them for parents.
    Very sorry,
    Jack & Bonnie Mulholland

  4. I had the privilege to work with Mary Gail at the post office, it never was boring. The times we had are very fond memories .we had many she said you said moments that involved many other coworkers. Bless her she’ll make some more souls smile

  5. My time that I worked with Mary Gail at post office was a very enjoyable experience. We did things that involved other coworkers without them knowing until they started to laugh. Keep them smiling Mary Gail with my heart felt blessing Dale

  6. I worked with your mother at the Post Office in Dover. I admired her so much. She was such a great lady and we had so much fun. She amazed me for her age because nothing stopped her from doing what she wanted. She had spunk, and just was the most understanding and helpful person to work for. She was very special to be and I will cherish the memories I have of our time together. She was the best! May God surround you with his love and peace.

  7. Thanks everyone for the kind words. Mary Gail had a lot of jobs were she met a lot people. My class mates remind me still today of stories riding on Mary’s school bus. Dale, all of the post office stories she had to tell, she really enjoyed working there. Jack I still have a memory of getting a ride in your Road Runner when I was probably five when you worked for mom and dad.

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