"Melba was in my life since my earliest memories. I always felt loved around her. I remember picking strawberries on sunny days and then waiting impatiently as she made short cake. I remember board games and laughter. I also remember good natured teasing and joking at countless family gatherings. I remember discipline as a child even though I was sooo good. When I was a young man I remember sharing the joy of fatherhood. I also remember someone I turned to when things were going wrong. Death, divorce , single parent issues, she was always there. I knew she would be. So, off she goes to a just reward. I?m a better person because she was part of my life. I will never forget her. "
In loving memory of
Melba Mae Abrams
November 30, 1936 - March 25, 2023
Melba Mae (McDowell) Abrams died Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 9:50 a.m in Fullerton, CA. Melba was born in western Pennsylvania, the daughter of Muriel and Theodore McDowell. She graduated from Bryant and Stratton Business School and went to work for the Veteran’s Administration in Buffalo, New York, where she met Marvin Abrams. Melba and Marvin were married for 50 years. Although the relationship was not permanent, they remained in touch throughout their lives and had six adored children, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Melba worked as an Editor for a newspaper for many years, as well as a host of other jobs. However, she had three callings to which she devoted her life: first was to the ministry that she built with Marvin over 40 years in the United Methodist Church - she was the ultimate clergy spouse, partner, and Prayer Warrior; second was to her family as Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. She also fostered and mothered many other children and adults throughout her life; and third, she was the quintessential Los Angeles Dodger fan girl. Melba now dances in heaven with her daughters Cynthia and Elizabeth (and Elvis), and is survived by daughters, Robin Marie and Ruth Ann, and her sons, Joseph Dean and Marvin Donald, all of whom can attest to having a Mom who loved them fiercely. Her in-laws and out-laws, Rick, Jeff, Nicole, and Robyn can also attest to this fierce love. Her Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren were her greatest joy in life. She will be missed every day by her grandchildren Marenda (Mario), Michael (Kyle), Meredith (Adam), Samiah, Justin, Joey, Jordan, Kurrinn (Mikey), and Kayla (Juan Carlos) and her great grandchildren Jacob, Jude, Juliet, and Isabelle who made her smile right to the very end - and her Grand-dogs Kaiju, Priscilla, Presley, Maggie, Cash, Harvey, Sturgill, Sammy, Delilah, and Maisie. Melba joins in heaven her best friend (and mother-in-law) Ruth Pierce Abrams, her parents, and her siblings Wally, Marg, Paul, and Jim. She is survived by her siblings Jean (Brent), Grace (Rob), and Ted (Deb) and too-many-to-name nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who all loved her dearly. Well done, good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your lord.
Celebration of Life Service for Melba M. McDowell Abrams
Saturday, April 15
2:00 pm Viewing
3:00 pm Celebrating the Life of Melba M. Abrams
The service will be followed by a meal in the Fellowship Hall
La Mirada United Methodist Church
15700 Rosecrans Avenue
La Mirada, CA 90638
In lieu of flowers, Melba requested that donations be made to the Cynthia Abrams Scholarship Fund. Donations can be sent to the United Methodist Church, General Board of Church and Society, 100 Maryland Street NE, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20002 (with “Cynthia Abrams Scholarship” in the memo line).
Flowers can be ordered from: Island Petals, 949-673-8257, www.islandpetals.com
****There will also be a Memorial and Burial service on the East Coast - date and location are to be determined but it will be in early summer or early fall)****