Marion "Marilou" Abele

Marion "Marilou" C. Abele (nee Cook), was born on March 21, 1935 to her devoted parents, Ralph “Ted” Cook and Dorothea B. Cook (nee Bobb). Marilou passed away peacefully, on the afternoon of December 22, at age 88.

Marilou was an extraordinary person, loving mother, and humanitarian, who loved life. She possessed a great sense of community; sharing her compassionate nature and caring spirit to help others. Marilou was a true artist, mastering crewel embroidery, knitting, crocheting, and sewing, all displayed in her beautiful artwork.  She had many diverse talents and interests; including cooking, singing, theater, nature walks, and photography; and she delighted in world travel with her daughter, Julie.

Marilou spent years in the workplace, highlighted by her work with “Habitat for Humanity” and “The Children's Museum of Cleveland,” and for ten years, she was culinary supervisor on her daughter Laura’s PBS television cooking series. Marilou presently lived in the Judson Manor (University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio) where she was active in many areas; following in her father “Ted” Cook’s footsteps by managing the “Manor Mart,” and she was active on the Judson planning board. Marilou was a dedicated member of the “Knit Witts” a talented group of knitters, offering beautiful hand-knit items for young children, with proceeds supporting various Cleveland charities. She was a respected and active member of the “Church In The Circle - University Circle United Methodist Church” (Cleveland, Ohio), singing in the choir, volunteering, with frequent involvement in seasonal Bible studies. 

Marilou was the beloved wife of the late Robert A. Abele; devoted partner of the late Mark Henry Hardenbergh; loving mother of Laura L. Theodore (Andrew), Julie E. Snyder (Robert) and William C. Snyder; and dear grandmother of Justin Bausone Snyder. The family prefers that those who wish may make contributions in her name to the Alzheimer's Association, 23215 Commerce Park Rd STE 300, Beachwood, OH 44122. 

 A Memorial Service will be held at 3pm on Saturday, January 6th at the University Circle United Methodist Church, 1919 E. 107th St, Cleveland, OH 44106.  Interment, Acacia Park Cemetery.