Mary Margaret Harris Abbas

Mary Margaret Harris Abbas, 84, of Geneva, passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton. A private family service will take place with burial at St. Peter’s UCC Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton.

Mary was born on January 27, 1941, to Ken and Margaret (McLeod) Harris. Mary had an older sister, Alma, and soon a baby sister, Jane. Mary graduated from West High School in Waterloo in 1959 and went on to Pit’z Beauty School. After graduation from there, she moved to Hampton to work where she met Fred Abbas. They were married on February 20, 1965.

Fred and Mary lived on the family farm and raised four sons, Mark, Scott, Jason and James. She was a proud grandma to five boys: Lane, Kaden, Brady, Rowan, and Kian, who are sons to James and Shelby. Mary enjoyed watching all of these boys in their sporting events and other activities.

Throughout her life, Mary tried and became quite good at creating art, such as in painting, drawing, knitting, especially pretty Christmas and other holiday cards for her family to enjoy. She belonged to the Franklin County Historical Society and loved helping restore the Old Stone House. She also volunteered with the hospital auxiliary. Mary spent many, many hours researching the Abbas family. She was active in women’s ministries at St. Peter’s UCC, such as teaching Sunday School. Mary loved her family and we will really miss her.

Mary is survived by her husband Fred; sons Mark and Scott of Geneva, and James (Shelby) of Ackley; grandsons Lane of Wahpeton, ND, Kaden, Brady, Rowan, and Kian of Ackley; and a sister Jane Harris of Waterloo.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, son Jason, and sister Elma (Rudy) Beneke.