Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Joyce "Pat" Abe, 79, of Roanoke, Va., passed away peacefully on November 19, 2009. Born on August 17, 1930 in Bath County Virginia, she was the daughter of Clara and Hubert Patteson. She is survived by her husband, Charles Hugh; two daughters, Susan Abe and Elizabeth Abe; and two grandchildren, David Guynn and Elle Zeller. She was preceded in death by a sister, Charlotte Harris, of Stuarts Draft, Va. She is survived by siblings William "Bill" Patteson, of Verona, Va. and Lorraine Montgomery, of Burlington, N.C.; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Pat was a graduate of Millboro High School and the Roanoke Memorial Hospital nursing school. She practiced both in the United States and in France. She worked for DC General Hospital, the US Army, Community Hospital, and Dr. Branch's private practice. She enjoyed antiques, auctions, refinishing furniture, fine carpentry, flower arranging, oil painting, sewing, quilting, interior decorating, and genealogy. Open to new experiences, Pat achieved many skills throughout her life, including both spelunking and Internet genealogical research when in her 60's. Pat was a devoted wife to Charles "Hugh" for 60 years. They first met when Hugh made a bet with a friend to see who would get a date first! They lived and worked together in France, Japan, Hawaii, and the Washington area before returning to Roanoke. The family will receive friends and share memories on November 22, 2009 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the family residence at 6932 Mary B. Place, Roanoke. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to either the Poage's Mill Church of the Brethren or the American Cancer Society . The family would like to express their very deep appreciation to the unwavering support of the Poage's Mill community during Pat's illness and passing.

Published in Roanoke Times from November 21 to November 22, 2009