Henrietta H. Abell

A devout Catholic, gifted musician, and beloved matriarch, Henrietta was blessed with wry humor, natural charm, and a magnetic personality that drew people in. She was loved by many and will be fondly remembered by those who knew her.

Henrietta was born in Independence, Mo. on October 22, 1923 to Erwin C. and Eva F. Beverung. She graduated from St. Ann Grade School and Cardinal Glennon High School.

Henrietta met the love of her life, Don, at Church on a Sunday in April, 1941. The couple soon fell in love, but their marriage had to wait, as Don enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942. After parachuting into France in the D-Day invasion of Normandy and later into Holland with the 101st Airborne Division 501, Don was injured in combat and returned home a decorated war hero. "Henry" was waiting for him.

One month after the Allied victory in Europe, on June 9, 1945, Don and Henrietta were married. They proudly celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary before Don preceded Henrietta in death in 2016.

From 1949 to 1961, Don and Henrietta were blessed with five children whom they raised in Raytown. She and Don were founding parishioners at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where she played the organ for more than 60 years (while Don served as a lector and eucharistic minister). Henrietta also spent many years as the pianist in the Choral Department at Arch Bishop O'Hara High School.

Henrietta had a lifelong love affair with the piano. She started playing at nine years old, often taking the street car by herself from Independence to attend her lessons at the Theatre Craft School in Kansas City. She always enjoyed entertaining friends and family with her obvious talent and infectious enthusiasm. She made it look easy and never stopped playing, giving her last concert (to rave reviews) in December 2023.

Henrietta is survived by sons Joseph (Leila), Jimmy, and Jeffrey (Cynthia), daughter Paula Allegri (Sam), son-in-law John McEntee, 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 nephew, and 5 nieces. In addition to Don, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Donna McEntee, sister Eva Margaret Belfonte, and two brothers, Hubert and Erwin (Junior) Beverung.

In addition to playing the piano, Henrietta enjoyed traveling with Don, playing cards, cooking, singing, driving fast, shopping at the grocery store, watching the Royals and, above all else, doting on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved being social and never wanted to miss a party or a good story. She was wise and sharp, pragmatic and optimistic. The impact she made on her family was immense, and her legacy will live on in their hearts.

Services will be held on June 14, 2024, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 SW 150 Highway in Lee's Summit, Mo. Rosary will be recited at 9:00 a.m., followed by visitation at 9:30 and Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Kansas City, Mo. The family is very thankful for the loving and compassionate care Mom received at Villa St. Francis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Villa St. Francis or Holy Spirit Catholic Church.