Ursula M. (Donnelly) Abrams

Ursula Marie Donnelly Abrams, 95, beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother passed away peacefully, Saturday, October 4, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Troy, NY on August 29, 1930 to the late James Joseph Donnelly and Mary Elizabeth Conklin Donnelly.  She was married to the love of her life the late Joseph Abrams for 35 years.

Charming and sharp as a tack, Ursula had a wit about her that always lit up a room with laughter. She had a big heart, which was evident amongst her family and friends.  She was a gifted storyteller whose tales would make you laugh until you cried – and sometimes cry until you laughed!  Her sense of humor was legendary, and her presence was unforgettable! Ursula was a natural performer and had the spark of an actress and rhythm of a true dancer as witnessed by anyone that knew her.  She was queen of the dance floor and along with her dance partner Charles, her youngest brother, their performance of the “swing dance” as they called it was unmatched.  Whether it was in a formal ballroom or in the kitchen, if music was playing, Ursula was dancing.

She was also an avid bowler and enjoyed having endless laughs with her friends. Ursula loved to travel and explore new places, always seeking out the next journey with excitement and curiosity.  She also found joy in life’s little pleasures, especially her beloved scratch-off tickets, a fun ritual she never gave up.  A regular at the local casinos and bingo halls.  Ursula cherished the time spent there, not just for the games but for the laughter and memories made with friends and loved ones.

 Ursula always had a kind heart and showed compassion to everyone from family, friends, strangers, and everyone in between.  She gave freely of her time, her warmth, and her legendary cooking.  Her galumpkis - stuffed cabbage rolls, were a family treasure and no  one ever left her home hungry or more loved. 

Ursula’s love for her family was unwavering as she adored her siblings, her devoted husband, all her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. To know Ursula was to love her. She lived a full life of laughter, and had a heart of gold, as she leaves behind memories full of joy.

She will be deeply missed by all that ever came into contact with her; missed and forever remembered. 

Ursula is survived by her children Catherine Abrams-Marsh, Joey Abrams, Debbie (John) Rowe-Abrams, Charles Abrams, Sr. (Mary), John (Bernadette) Abrams. She is the proud grandmother of 14 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, with number 30 on the way, and 2 great-great grandchildren.  Also survived by her brother Charles Donnelly as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her son, Patrick, her grandson, BJ, her grand-daughter, Cheri-Jo, her son in law, John Rowe, her sisters Mary Elizabeth, Florence, and Lillian, her brothers William, James, Frances, Edward, George, and John Henry.

Calling hours will be held at John H. Clinton Funeral Home, 294 Whiteview Road, Wynantskill, NY 12198, on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.  

A funeral service will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025 at 9:00 am at  St. Joseph’s Church, 416 3rd Street, Troy, NY. Burial will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, 156 Mann Avenue, Troy, NY.

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