Mary Martha Hartnett Abbott, lived life to fullest

Mary Martha Hartnett Abbott left us Friday, Jan. 27, 2023, while doing Wordle in her home in Lewes. Although recuperating from a recent heart attack at 77 years old, her unexpected death reflected her life philosophy of living life to its fullest and making every minute count. Mary was the daughter of Dr. John C. Hartnett and Irene LaFountain Hartnett. She was born and raised in Burlington, Vt., and attended Trinity College, where she majored in metaphysics and classical languages. She later received a master’s in administration from Antioch College in New Hampshire. 

Mary’s career was at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Hanover, N.H., in administration for over 20 years. She loved her job and friends, and lived her storied life with intention and joy. Mary’s optimism was contagious. Her love for life was manifest in her infamous dinner parties and elegant table settings. She polished every fork and ironed the linen napkins until they were perfect. When you were invited to her table, you felt loved.

Mary deeply loved her family and grandchildren, and was always sharing their accomplishments and stories. She cared about others and their lives.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, parents, brother, two nephews, and one niece. She is survived by her beloved family: her children, Kristen Eleanor and her husband Karl (Colorado); and two granddaughters, Madeline (New York City), and Isabelle (Seattle); her son, Thomas John (Alaska) and his wife Lisa; and four grandchildren, Thomas John, Carley, Stormy and Tiffany; and one great-granddaughter, Meredith. She leaves two sisters, Donna Marie and her husband James (Florida), and Johnette (Delaware); two nieces, Kate and husband David (New York), and Shannon and husband Eric, and children Phoebe and Jonah (Boston); as well as special friends from Washington, D.C., Serena and her daughter Bella. 

Mary’s legacy is love. St. John of the Cross wrote “When the evening of life comes, we will be judged on love.” Mary surely passed that test. We, her survivors, are the lucky ones to inherit that love.

Mary wished to be cremated and have a celebration of life service at the convenience of the family at a later date.

Donations may be made in honor of Mary to Rehoboth Art League, 12 Dodds Lane, Henlopen Acres, DE 19971.

Visit Mary’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.