Edna (Hutcheson) Abbascia

Edna Mae Abbascia, 88, of Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025, in her home, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grand mother & friend, Edna’s warmth and generosity touched all who knew her.

Edna was born on August 5, 1937, in Worcester, to the late Isabella (Rourke) and Charlie Hutcheson. She graduated from Commerce High School in 1955. Two years later, she met and married the love of her life, Manuel “Carney” Abbascia, beginning a 68-year journey of love, family, and faith. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love,devotion, laughter, and countless cherished memories. Carney and Edna, owned and operated the former Chez- Ami restaurant and night club in Westboro, welcoming many named entertainers, friends, special moments and the ( famous lobster special). She later built a 15 year career in the Audio /Media Department helping people at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center before retiring.

Edna was the proud mother of five children: Gina Abbascia, Carl Abbascia and his wife Cheryl, Lisa Abbascia, Gene Abbascia, and Manuel “Lee” Abbascia and his wife Tara. Her family continued to grow with 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Corey, Colby, Gene, Nicholas, Alyscia, Michael, Liam, Emmet, Luke, Dawn, Emma, and Seth, 15 great-grand-children, and many special nieces and nephews. Edna was preceded in death by her sister, Irene Jeznach.

A woman of deep faith, Edna was a lifelong parishioner at St. Mary’s Church, where she found strength, comfort, and community. Her selfless nature and gentle spirit guided everything she did, from raising her family to lending an ear or a helping hand to those in need. Edna’s creativity flourished in her love of crocheting, quilting, knitting, needlepoint, and painting. She enjoyed spending time on the beaches of Maine, where she felt peace by the ocean waves. She also treasured her close circle of girlfriends (hens) who gathered regularly to play Rummikub and share laughter.

Friends and family are invited to gather for Edna’s celebration Mass, Wednesday, December 17, at 10:30 am at St Mary’s Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Burial will follow at Mt View Cemetery, Shrewsbury Calling hours are private. In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in her name can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude way, Memphis, TN, www.stjude.org/donate. Her legacy of love, faith, and family devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family once more.