Abbie was born the second of six children into a farming family in Macroom, County Cork, Ireland to Hannah (Vaughan) and William O’Riordan. Her husband, Timothy (Tim) Looney, first laid eyes on her while she was riding her bike over the Rooves Bridge, and he fondly recalls her long, curly hair blowing in the wind. They officially met 4 years later in their mid-teens when Tim became a carpenter apprentice for Abbie’s uncle. While they were courting, they drove around the hills of County Cork on his motorbike and met up at dances. After Abbie lived in London for a brief time, Tim wrote to Abbie asking if she wanted to move to the United States. She agreed, and off they went!
On July 20, 1957, Tim and Abbie were married at St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in Wilmington, Delaware, and they were blessed with eight children in quick succession. Always aiming to do the right thing, in 1970 Tim and Abbie briefly moved their young family to Ireland for three years so the children could meet and form bonds with their relatives. Even though the family moved back to Delaware again in 1973, those relationships built in Ireland remain strong today. Abbie’s devotion to her husband, her family, and to God through her Catholic faith would come to define her life along with the joyfulness she shared.
Abbie spent her children’s school years as a dedicated homemaker: sewing clothes, knitting, baking, and making three wholesome meals every day for her family of ten. She was attentive and protective but never overbearing. Abbie created a warm home that welcomed all visitors and company, making each and every person feel special. Her warmth and kindness were felt by everyone lucky enough to have met her. Cooking for a small army became an unbreakable habit, and well into her 80s she was cooking enough for whomever might show up for a “secret dinner.” There was always something to eat for anyone who stopped by, and even if a visitor refused there would be a spread of snacks and a cup of tea in front of them within minutes.
No stranger to hard work, Abbie assisted her husband as the bookkeeper for Tim Looney Co Inc (general contracting business) while she was a stay at home mom. At other times she was employed in the service and sales industries, but her favorite job was at Strawbridge & Clothier in the linen and shoe departments. She was thrilled to go to work and meet new people every day. She took pride in her work, genuinely cared about her customers, and received many written compliments from both management and her customers. Abbie was nothing if not honest and didn’t shy away from sharing her opinion (which always happened to be right). She was a modest and humble woman who loved a good bargain and balanced her budget with her impeccable taste.
Once her children were out of school and beginning families of their own, Abbie became a grandmother and from that point she was famously known as “Nan.” Throughout her life, but especially in her retirement, Nan tended to her rock garden in her front yard and regularly recruited her grandchildren to help her pull weeds. She couldn’t pass the garden without plucking a brown petal, snipping a sprig, or pruning something quickly. Her rock garden is well known in her neighborhood as many admire it and often pause as they pass by.
Even with a tendency toward perfectionism, she never took herself too seriously and loved nothing more than a laugh and a little gossip over a glass of wine on her porch. She had a solution to every problem, an elixir for every stain, a favor for every neighbor, and a concoction for every illness. You could often find Nan tapping her foot along to music, or dancing after she had prepared the table for a holiday meal. In the same conversation she would display her childlike wonder, her rebellious nature, and her motherly wisdom.
Through the onset and progression of Dementia, Nan kept her positive attitude, social grace, and high standards for a clean house. In her last years, she was cared for by her husband and children, but also a team of earthly angels (caregivers) who helped her feel the kind of care and devotion she had shown her family for decades. We extend our deepest gratitude to these women who joined our family every day to make sure Nan could remain comfortably in her home of 53 years. Thank you is not enough to acknowledge the efforts of Cambria, Michelle and Christian of We Care Concierge, Marie, the Cornerstone Health Partners team, and the entire team at AccentCare Hospice.
After her final display of the quiet strength she carried through her life, Abbie passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, June 6, 2026, surrounded by her husband and children.
She was predeceased by her mother, father, sister Peggy, and treasured aunts and uncles.
Abbie is survived and cherished by her husband of 69 years, Tim, and their eight children: Ann Robb (Bill), Jack, Tim Jr., Bill (Lana), Katie, Joan VanSickle (Chris), Abbie Yerger (Todd), and Patrick (Debbie). She is fondly remembered by her former daughters-in-law Kristin Schafer, Larissa Kelly, and Sherry Looney. She is survived by her siblings Timothy O’Riordan, Bridget (Bridie) O’Sullivan, and Daniel O’Riordan who reside in Ireland, her sister Teresa (Tessie) Haggett in England, and many extended family members on both the O’Riordan and Looney sides whom she dearly loved.
Nan will forever be adored by her grandchildren Billy, Brendan, Brett, Carley, Christopher, Colleen, Dan, Deirdre, Elizabeth, Ethan, Gillian, Hannah, Melissa, Natalie, Rachel, Ryan, and Timothy, by her great grandchildren Andrew, Ali, Caleb, Dylan, Emma, Evan, Evelynn, Logan, Kennedy and Payton, and by her great great grandchild, Koda.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Abbie’s name to the Ministry of Caring.
Colorful attire is welcomed and encouraged in honor of Abbie’s love of color.
A viewing will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:45am at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4701 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated promptly at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery.
Mass can be livestream: https://youtube.com/live/AqoUOVWLtEU?feature=share
For online condolences visit: www.mccreryandharra.com
