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Magnolia - Vernell C. Abella, wife of Michael L. Abella and a resident of Champions Club, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 14, 2026, at the Delaware Hospice Center in the city of Milford, Delaware, where she was also born on June 28th, 1947. She was the daughter of Horace B. Willey and Viola Pearce Willey, and she graduated from Milford High School in 1965. Then, she attended Peirce Junior College in Philadelphia.
In 1967, Vernell married her husband, Michael, a Milford High School classmate. They lived and worked in Philadelphia and relocated back to Delaware in 1968, settling in Dover. She worked for Schmittinger & Rodriguez and then George F. Gardner, Esq. for several years. In 1982, she became an insurance agent and worked with her husband in the insurance business for 20 years prior to retiring in 2002 from MetLife.
After retirement, she and Michael enjoyed US travel and spending time with friends and family, whom she enjoyed entertaining, especially at holidays. She was the author of several Delaware cookbooks, which incorporated recipes from family and friends that she had collected for many years. She also did extensive genealogy work on her long-time Delmarva family, who she was very proud of.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Michael L. Abella, and their daughters, Melody Abella Wyatt (Brian) of Arlington, Virginia, and Dr. Holly Abella Bush (Timothy) of Magnolia, Delaware, as well as her beloved granddaughter, Faith Annabella Smith, and her nephews, David Willey (Luisa) and Steven Willey (Brandy) and three nieces. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Terry Willey, and sister-in-law, Margaret Crawford Willey.
Viewing will be held 10:00am to 12:00pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Calvary Church, 1141 E Lebanon Rd., Dover, DE 19901.
Funeral services will be held 12:00pm, Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Calvary Church, 1141 E Lebanon Rd., Dover, DE 19901.
Interment will be held at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden, Delaware.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Delaware Hospice Center, https://delawarehospice.org/give/
Letters of condolence may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com
