Ana A. Abascal's Obituary
Ana A. Abascal, a passionate educator, loving volunteer, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and beloved friend, passed away on Saturday, January 12th in Boston, Massachusetts.
Ana was born on November 10, 1935 in Matanzas, Cuba. She and her late husband, Clemente C. Abascal, immigrated to the United States in 1959 and found their home in Lawrence, Mass. Over the years, Ana became an adored Spanish teacher to many graduates of Presentation of Mary Academy for over two decades. In her later years, Ana became quite involved in the community and pursued her passion for volunteerism. Ana provided Spanish lessons to visiting members of the seminary, tutored community members and even returned to teach younger children post retirement.
Her devotion to her craft as an artist in language instruction allowed her to teach and share her culture as well as connect with and learn from others. Because of her strong faith and dedication to service of others, Ana became an Associate of Marie Rivier and of St. Marguerite d’Youville to carry out their mission. In 2016, she was presented with the Legacy Award of Presentation of Mary Academy. The following year, Ana received one of her most cherished and honored awards, the Chevrus Award by the Archdiocese of Boston. Ana also was awarded Volunteer of the Year Award at the Mary Immaculate Residential Community where she most recently lived.
In addition to her dedication to her faith, education, and volunteerism, Ana was the adoring matriarch of her family— devoting, loving and ever-present. She led her life as a strong, passionate, and a caring woman who touched the lives and hearts of all who knew her in positive and memorable ways.
Ana is survived by her brother, Publio Gasulla; her children, Maria Teresa, Marilyn, Beatriz and Clemente Jr.; Grandchildren, Carlos, Alicia, Bianca, Chanel, Kyle, Megan, Keifer, Ajani and Soli; and six great grandchildren.
A funeral mass will be held on Friday, January 18, 10am at St. Mary’s Church, Lawrence, followed by burial at Bellevue Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 17, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 122 Amesbury St. Lawrence, MA, 01841. For more information or to send an online condolence please visit our website at: www.breenfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers a memorial gift can be made by check to Presentation of Mary Academy, Attn: Advancement Office, 209 Lawrence Street, Methuen, MA or online: www.PMAMethuen.org/PMAFund or to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan Street, Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923 or www.CareDimensions.org.
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