04/24/2026
With sadness we share the news of Margaret Abel's passing. She was a Lake Bluff treasure, involved in many organizations, always game for a friendly chat and beloved by many.
Here's her obituary, along with a shot of the "Docent Closeup" profile that we included in the Museum's Fall 2024 print newsletter:
Obituary for Margaret M. Abel
Margaret Mary Kelly Abel, known to many simply as Margaret, passed away on April 16, 2026, in Lake Bluff, Illinois, at the age of 95, following a life marked by devotion to family, faith, community, and service. She was born on June 10, 1930, in Fall City, Nebraska, and carried with her throughout her life the warmth, resilience, and steady spirit that endeared her to all who knew her.
Margaret graduated from Highland Park High School and went on to build a life defined by hard work, generosity, and quiet dedication. She began her career as a switchboard operator at Illinois Bell, where her pleasant manner and dependable nature served her well. She later worked in the restaurant industry at numerous establishments throughout Lake County, where she became known for her strong work ethic and friendly presence. Margaret also served as a cook at District 67 in Lake Forest, helping to nourish generations of children and staff with the same care she extended in every part of her life. In addition, she shared her time and talents as a dog sitter, babysitter, and house sitter, always willing to help wherever she was needed.
Margaret was a woman of Christian faith, and her beliefs were reflected in the way she lived each day. She was active in the Lake Bluff Women’s Club, the Garden Club, and the Historical Society, and she served faithfully as an election judge. She also shared her knowledge and love of local history as a docent at the Lake Bluff History Museum. Her enthusiasm for community life was especially evident in her participation in Fourth of July celebrations and parade activities, including the beloved lawnmower brigade. She was honored as grand marshal of the Fourth of July parade and remained an active participant in American Legion activities, where her spirit and presence were deeply appreciated.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Abel, and by two sons, James, who was married to Kitty, and Warren. She is survived by her daughters, Mary Coursey and her husband James, Elizabeth Konke and her husband Gary, Meg Abel, and Annie Guion. She is also survived by her sons, Bruce and his wife Elizabeth, Peter and his wife Barb, and Mark; and by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her life, and she took great pride in each generation that followed her.
Those who knew Margaret will remember her as a woman of kindness, strength, humor, and steadfast love. She had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued, and she approached life with grace and practicality. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friendships she nurtured, the institutions she supported, and the many lives she touched through her work and service.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” Margaret Abel lived a life that reflected that truth in every way. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Services will be private.
