Violet M. Abbink, age 81, of Crystal Lake and formerly of McHenry, died Friday, January 30, 2009 at her home.
     She was born November 8, 1927 in Chicago to Herman and Regina (Schmidt) Berens. On May 8, 1948 she married Karl “Bill” Abbink at St. Peter Church in Skokie.
     Previously of Glencoe, Violet resided in Holiday Hills from 1959 until moving to Crystal Lake in 2000. She and her husband spent their winters at their motor home in Texas.
     She was employed for a short time at Oak Manufacturing in Crystal Lake and was an EMT for the Lakes Region Rescue Squad. She ran the kitchen and helped with Bingo at the V.F.W. Post 4600 where she was a member and past president of the V.F.W. Auxiliary Post 4600. She also served as a trustee for Holiday Hills. She was a member of the Church of Holy Apostles and the church’s Prayer Line.
     Violet enjoyed playing games, cards, was a great cook and a die hard Chicago Cubs fan. She was an avid sewer and had donated many hours making costumes for Mar-Ray Dance Studio and school plays. Her life revolved around spending time with her grandchildren.
     Survivors include her husband Bill of sixty years; four daughters, Linda (John) Mazur of Geneva, Connie (Bruce) Bennett of Johnsburg, Judy (Pat) Gertz of McHenry, Terri (Pete) Nietzel of Crystal Lake; five grandchildren, Adam Gertz, Jodi Bennett, Makayla Nietzel, Isabella Nietzel, Michael Nietzel; two sisters, Rita (the late Robert) McSweeny, Gerri (John) Porzin; and two brothers, Les (Carol) Berens, and Ray Berens.
     She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Julie Wiley; and two brothers, Joe and Ollie Berens.
     Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at The Church of Holy Apostles, 5211 W. Bull Valley Road, McHenry, Il  60050.
    A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2009 at The Church of Holy Apostles.  
     Inurnment will be private.
     For those wishing to send an expression of condolence, the family suggests memorials to the American Cancer Society, Janet Smith Memorials Chairperson, 200 S. Green Street, McHenry, IL 60050 .
     Arrangements entrusted to Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, McHenry., IL. For information call the funeral home at 815-385-2400. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at www.justenfh.com