Sylvia May (Abaz) Esmel, 85, wife of the late Raymond S. Esmel, passed away Saturday, Sept. 5, at Sutton Hill Center, North Andover, surrounded by her family.
Born in Manchester, N.H., she was the daughter of the late Frank and Ruby C. (White) Abaz. Raised in Manchester, she attended Manchester public schools and was a graduate of Manchester Central High School, class of 1947. Esmel was employed first as a layout operator and then a manager in the laser room at Lucent Technologies, North Andover, for more than 30 years until her retirement in 1995. She was a member of The Telephone Pioneers of America.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Esmel balanced being a homemaker and a career professional. She loved cooking for her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed traveling around New England, especially enjoying the beaches on Cape Cod and Lake George, New York.
Surviving her are seven children, Donna M. Esmel of Haverhill; Jennifer E. Vecchi and her husband Paul F. of West Barnstable; Steven S. Esmel and his wife Rayne of Pembrook, N.H.; Curtis R. Esmel of Derry, N.H.; Gregory M. Esmel and his wife Nancy of Plymouth; Dana A. Esmel of Haverhill; and Jeffrey T. Esmel of Danville, N.H. She also leaves six grandchildren, Curtis Esmel Jr., Camille Esmel, Heather Esmel, Jessica Gallagher, Trevor Esmel and Zachary Esmel; four great grandchildren, Tyler Gallagher; Odin Corbett; Zaya Esmel and Vaughn McAvoy. She was predeceased by her brother, Emmin Abaz.
Friends and family are invited to attend visitation Friday, Sept. 11, from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by funeral services at noon at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Burial will follow at the Union Cemetery, New Boston Road, Newton, N.H.