Longtime Sacramento Resident Lois Abernethy Passes Away

By OBSERVER NewsroomEven in advanced age, Lois Abernethy remained engaged in current events, especially politics, and looked forward to voicing her opinions as she cast her ballot in the upcoming elections.The longtime Sacramento resident passed away in early August, shortly before what would have been her 99th birthday.Lois Miller moved from her native Chicago to the Bay Area during the World War II era. There she met and married her husband, Charles Abernethy, who was a returning veteran and a student at UC Berkeley. They both pursued careers in California state government, and built a family and life in the Oak Park neighborhood. The couple was married for more than 50 years.In her early years, Lois Abernethy trained as a classical pianist and used her skills to accompany local and touring singers and served for many years as the musical and choir director for the Oak Park United Church of Christ. She also periodically taught piano.Abernethy volunteered with the Donner Elementary School PTA, the March of Dimes and chaperoned school trips. After retiring from the state, she decided to work for the downtown Macy’s store during Christmas and stayed on for 15 years. She worked in various departments, most notably...