Mary Elizabeth Abboud
June 17, 1941 ~ April 4, 2025
Age 83
Mary E. Abboud, of Bellevue, Nebraska, passed away on Friday, April 4, 2025, at Midlands Hospital in Papillion, Nebraska, at the age of 83.
Mary was born on June 17, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to Arthur and Helen (McGill) Goodwater. She graduated from Madison High School before marrying her beloved husband George on January 6, 1962, at St. Leonard’s Church in Madison, Nebraska. Together, they raised five children and operated a business in Norfolk, Nebraska, until George’s untimely passing on August 5, 1982.
After his death, Mary pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and a Masters degree from Bellevue University. She dedicated much of her career to helping others, most notably managing the Rainbow House for Children’s Hospital in Omaha. Mary found great joy in offering a comforting space for families with sick children, providing them with a sense of peace during difficult times.
Mary’s love for crafts and sewing was a constant throughout her life, and she found joy in sharing her talents with those around her. She will be remembered for her compassion, her selflessness, and the love she gave to everyone in her life.
Mary is survived by her children: Michael Abboud, Cathy (James) Madden, Dave (Jennifer) Abboud, Dan (JoAnn) Abboud, Darren (Shannon) Abboud, and Angela Smith Leuschen; her brothers: Tom (Patty) Goodwater of Lincoln, Joe (Tabby) Goodwater of Lincoln, and Dick (Marla) Goodwater of Gretna; her sister: Margie (Bill) Swerczek of Albion; her brother-in-law Bill Tichota of Norfolk; her sisters-in-law: Mary Goodwater of Lincoln and Vickie Goodwater of Battle Creek; 9 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Mary was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents Arthur and Helen Goodwater, her brothers: Bob and Jim Goodwater, her sisters Jean Tichota and Catherine Mary Goodwater, as well as her niece Jayne Marshall and nephews Steve Goodwater and Bruce Swerczek.
Mary’s kindness and generosity will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation: Thursday, April 10, 2025, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., both at St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12330 S. 36th St, Bellevue, Nebraska.
To view a live broadcast of the vigil service, click on the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/mary-elizabeth-abboud-nots3609ahqqvd4coyif
Memorial Mass: Friday, April 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m., at St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church.
To view a live broadcast of the Memorial Mass, click on the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/mary-elizabeth-abboud-niovo3ye2qzxmpnmoezk
Place of Rest: Hillcrest Cemetery, 1950 N 13th Street, Norfolk, Nebraska
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Carolyn Scott Rainbow House / https://www.childrensnebraska.org/carolyn-scott-rainbow-house
3 Comments
I (we) am one of the MANY parents who had a lengthy (& MANY) stay at the Rainbow House. “Mom” was the welcoming, comforting face we could go to at night, or anytime we needed to. She could even get us to talk to & comfort other parents who were there, to help them their time of need, which in turn helped us a well. Even years later, she still wanted to know how our family was doing. She never forgot. She was a Godsend & I don’t know how we would have made it through our daughter’s cancer without Mom. Words cannot express our full gratitude for all the help & comfort given to us, but I am confident Mom knew how much we appreciated her, simply because we told her, but also by seeing us survive. Love you, Mom!
We are so sorry for the loss of Mary. She was such a giving person and loved life. She always asked if there was anything she could help me with from making flowers, sewing, to what ever we needed help with. She found out that my mom, who was living with us at the time, loved liver and onions. So Mary made dinner for her of liver and onions. She even wanted to stay with mom so Ron and I could get away for awhile. RIP my friend. You will be sorely missed. Barbara /Ron
I first met Mary when I would take dry cleaning or alterations to their shop. I later became better acquainted when we were in the Norfolk Support Group for Widowed & Divorced where she served as president for a period of time. I always enjoyed my times with Mary. All of you are in my thought and prayers.
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