Peggy Jean Abbott, avid Phillies fan

Peggy Jean Lester Abbott, 94, of Milford, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023, surrounded by her family at the Delaware Hospice Center in Milford.

She was born Feb. 8, 1929, in Salisbury, Md., to the late James Shelburn Lester and Enola Dryden Lester Nock. She graduated from Wicomico High School in Salisbury in 1946. She worked for the Milford School District as a secretary who did the payroll for 20 years, retiring in 1989.

Peggy loved baseball and was an avid Phillies fan. For many years, she attended their spring training games in Clearwater, Fla. The Phillies have lost one of their biggest fans. Her favorite Phillie was Michael Jack Schmidt.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Gary (Gator) Abbott; her twin sisters, Jeannette Ferguson of Dover, and Joanne Davis and her husband Robert Davis of Salisbury; and her late stepfather, Walter P. Nock.

She is survived by her husband, to whom she was married for 75 years on New Year’s Eve, Robert L. Abbott; a son, Roger Dale Abbott and his wife Karen of Dover; three grandchildren, Kasey Abbott and her fiancé Corey Groll of Lewes, Courtney Bonenberger and husband Adam of Palmyra, Pa., and Brittney Abbott of Dover. She is also survived by Corey’s two children, Brenden and Emily Groll of Lewes; six great-grandchildren, Leah, Alex, Hunter, Gavin, Layla and Logan; her brother-in-law, James Ferguson of Dover; her goddaughter, Jackie Heck; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services and interment are private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church where she was a member, Sardis United Methodist Church, ATTN: Aileen Webb, 7343 Big Stone Beach Road, Milford, DE 19963; or the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Arrangements are in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford. Online condolences may be sent to shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com.