Obituaries
Abigail Marie Critchfield, 42
March 13, 2020
Abigail Marie (Lowe) Critchfield, 42, of Akron, PA passed away on Friday, March 13, 2020 at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in Manhattan, NY after a courageous 3 and a half year battle with cancer. Born in Lancaster, PA, Abigail was the daughter of Harry and Susan (Welsh) Lowe and was the loving wife to Andrew Critchfield for over 15 years. She was the devoted mother to Jack Henry and Peyton Anne.
Abigail graduated from Lancaster Catholic High School in 1996 and earned her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Misericordia University in 2001. She started her career as an OT at Reading Hospital, then worked at local retirement communities over the years and lastly at Lancaster General Hospital. Abigail was also an entrepreneur, starting as a Mary Kay consultant, then owning her own photography business “Inspired Images by Abigail” and was co-founder of Senior Helpers of Ephrata. She was a lifelong member of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Church in Ephrata, where her strong Catholic faith allowed her to fight her cancer battle with strength and grace. She volunteered with numerous organizations within the parish and school to support her children. She enjoyed reading under the pergola and watching the Food Network. Most of all, Abigail cherished spending time with her family, especially at the family cabin in Tioga County. Abigail lived life to its fullest and always cherished her family, faith and friends.
In addition to her husband Andrew and her parents, Abigail is survived by her children Jack Henry and Peyton Anne, her sister Beth (Lowe) Mazur, wife of Chris of Leola, and brother Gregory Lowe, husband of Ashlea of Carlisle and her nieces and nephews: William “Buck”, Katelyn, Alexis, Ryan, Xavier and Alijah, her brother-in-law William Critchfield, husband of Alicia of Ephrata, her mother-in-law Pamela Critchfield of Ephrata, and her father-in-law Raymond Critchfield, husband of Christine of Harrisburg.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and support staff at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NY for their dedication and compassion in caring for Abigail.
Due to concerns regarding COVID-19 the family will have a private viewing and Abigail will be laid to rest at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery, Lancaster, PA. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Andrew Critchfield #0184 for the perpetual care of Jack and Peyton at Fulton Bank, 3630 Rothsville, Road, Ephrata, PA 17522.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
November 28, 2020
I am extremely saddened to hear of this. I have great memories of Abigail. I went to Lancaster Catholic. I can assure you that her family is in my prayers. Abigail was always kind and a joy to be around. There is no doubt Abigail is in heaven with Jesus.
David Brooks
April 27, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Abigail. We worked together at the Reading hospital in 2002 and then crossed paths many years later sharing interests in health and wellness. She was a great mom, wife, friend and therapist. I was sad to learn of her passing and know she fought this battle with everything she had. Prayers to the family.
Melissa Meyers
April 05, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Abby was a very beautiful and vital person. She will be missed.
George DiILIO
March 25, 2020
My heart and prayers go out to Abagail’s whole family. She was so dear and sweet with a positive attitude and such a strong lady!
Kathy Mentzer
March 25, 2020
Dear Beth,
Mr. Harr and I convey our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We are heartsick for you. May you find some comfort in the good times and strength in your love for each other. Love to you.
Barbara Harr
March 24, 2020
We would like to say we are thinking of you Andy and praying for your family. It was with deep sadness that we read this in the newspaper.
Jim and Sandy Anderson
March 21, 2020
We wish to express our sympathy to the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gene & Sara Kutz
March 21, 2020
Abigail and I worked together for around a decade at Reading Hospital/TRHMC therapy dept. She was ALWAYS a Joy with a SMILE on her face! She also was my Mary Kay rep for some time. She lived life to it’s fullest and had numerous talents in many different facets. My prayers and thoughts are with her husband, children, family and loved ones❤ God give peace and comfort to you all in this heartbreaking time.
Lisa A. DaDamio
March 21, 2020
Praying for the families at this time. Susan and harry god bless you. God bless her husband and beautiful children. Danielle Pannebecker
March 21, 2020
Abby and I went to Lancaster Catholic High together. We met in March band. She was such a sweetheart with a caring heart. She was a true warrior as she battled her cancer. My heart aches for her husband and children. Abby truly was a leader for helping others and having a award winning smile. She will be missed.
Sincerely,
Chrissy (McGinley) Malson
Class of 1995
March 20, 2020
I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. I met Abigail at Senior Helper. She will be missed a lot. God Bless You and Your Family.
Brenda Esh
March 20, 2020
We were so saddened to read about Abby. We have wonderful memories from Church Avenue and the fun our girls had together. May the God of all consolation hold you close in this time of loss.
Jill Pretz
March 19, 2020
Harry and Susan, we were so sorry to see Abigail’s passing. We are sending prayers for your family. Les and Nancy Farmer
March 19, 2020
Harry and Susan you are in our prayers ❤️
David & Del-Rae Rice
March 18, 2020
So sotty for your loss. Sloan Kettering is a great hospital you could not have done better for her. Sloan Kettering gave my mother nine additional years and we made the best of each day. She will rest in peace and watch over you from above.
Ellen and Tom
March 18, 2020
Susan…I am deeply sorry to hear of the passing of Abigail. I have fond memories of the three of us taking a cooking class together years ago. Our prayers will be with you and your family in the coming days.
Kenny and Donna Garman
March 18, 2020
To the entire family, I offer my prayers and condolences for this great loss of Abbie’s life. She is at peace in God’s arms.
Pat Fry
March 18, 2020
I feel your pain. Abigail was there for me when my husband Tony was home under hospice care. I will always keep her in my heart. Love, Vivian Colatta
March 18, 2020
Andy I am so very sorry . I am praying for you and your family,. Much love. Rose weidman
March 18, 2020
Andy,
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Lynne, Gregg and Gregory Lewis
March 18, 2020
Harry & Sue, we are so sorry to hear of Abigail’s passing. She was a beautiful girl inside and out. God will help you all get through this. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Jim & Peg (Geltz) Wolpert
March 18, 2020
Andrew, I am so sorry for your loss. Abigail was a blessing to many people. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Randal L Goshert
March 18, 2020
Prayers to you during this difficult time. I use to work with Abigail at Reading Hospital. I’ll always remember her smile.
Lynne Klumpp
March 18, 2020
Andy, I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart hurts for you.
Lena Fassnacht
March 17, 2020
I offer my prayers and condolences, I worked along side Abigail at the hospital. She was such a sweet person, I am thankful I had the opportunity for her to touch my life. My deepest sympathy.
Heather McNeal
March 17, 2020
Susan and family, I am so sorry for your loss:
Prayers for your family,
Kelli Keyes
March 17, 2020
Abigail was a blessing to my life. I’m thankful that I was able to work with her and have her as a friend. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my prayers.
Ali Weber
