Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 16, 1992 TAG: 9201170241
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARY JO SHANNON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
EVEN AT 97, SHE'S ALMOST UNSTOPPABLE
When residents of Elm Park Estates were offered the opportunity to take a hot-air balloon ride, the oldest resident was one of the first to volunteer.Although she is legally blind, Frances Abell, who celebrated her 97th birthday Jan. 9, is one of Elm Park's most active residents.
"It was just wonderful," she said, recalling the event which took place Nov. 7 at Tanglewood Mall.
"I felt like I was floating or sailing. Of course, we couldn't really go anywhere, but the chance to rise up and come down was wonderful."
When Abell learned the ride would be a tethered one, she almost refused to go, according to Ed Sprunce, marketing director at Elm Park Estates, who arranged for the event, donated by Blue Ridge Balloons.
"She said she really wanted to go somewhere," Sprunce said. He explained the necessity of remaining at one place so all 16 who wanted to participate could share the experience.
That explanation satisfied Abell, whose hobby is "looking out for other people and helping them." Sprunce said she has "adopted" a 92-year-old woman who is shy, taking her to meals and leading her about the facility.
Abell has been at Elm Park Estates since it opened a year ago, and praises its beauty, convenience, food and the thoughtfulness of the staff.
Staff members in turn respect and admire Abell for her independence, her positive attitude and her eagerness to participate in activities. During a recent fashion show, she modeled clothing for John Norman, escorted by a neighbor at Elm Park, Bill Walthall.
"The last time we had a tea dance, Frances was the first on the dance floor, and we had to make her stop so the disc jockey could go home," said office manager Barbara Chappell.
Chappell also revealed that Abell sat in Santa's lap before Christmas and asked for a baby doll. "Others asked for such things as $1,000, but Frances asked for a doll," Chappell said. "She got it, too!"
A native Roanoker, Abell was born Frances Mitchell, sister to the founder of Mitchell's Clothing. One of her sons, Jack, worked with her brother and took over the business after his death. Her other son is deceased.
For many years she lived in New York City, where her husband was associated with Lerner's Shops. After his retirement about 10 years ago, they returned to Roanoke, but he died a year later.
She was active at Greene Memorial Church, and still attends whenever she can, although she says various denominations sponsor religious services at Elm Park.
Except for her failing eyesight, Abell is, in her own words, "disgustingly healthy."
She attributes her longevity to the care she received when she suffered asthma as a child. She recalls her brother carrying her home from school during cold weather after she suffered an attack. She outgrew the problem at age 16.
"Now it's my turn to help others," she said.
***CORRECTION***
Published correction ran on February 6, 1992 in Neighbors\ Correction
Because of incompete information given to the newspaper, Mary June Thompson was not identified in a picture with a Jan. 16 Neighbors story on Frances Abell, a resident of Elm Park Estates. Also, Abell was misidentified in the photo caption. She is at right in the photo, and Thompson is at left.
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Memo: Correction