Female champion of alcohol and drug addiction recovery remembered as the heart and soul of Ashley

Ashley Addiction Treatment (Ashley), one of the world’s most recognizable and respected names in the substance use disorder treatment industry, announced that its co-founder, Lora Mae Abraham, known to many as “Mae,” died on Friday, August 23 surrounded by family and friends. She was 92.

Abraham founded Ashley Addiction Treatment, the renowned treatment facility then known as Father Martin’s Ashley, in 1983 in collaboration with the late Joseph C. Martin, a Catholic priest. The two first met as recovering alcoholics at one of Father Martin’s award-winning “Chalk Talks” at Johns Hopkins University in 1964. Martin was widely regarded as a pioneer in the addiction treatment field, having developed an innovative approach to healing based on dignity and compassion. Abraham and Martin became close friends.

“My favorite memory of Father Martin is when he walked on stage at Johns Hopkins and said, ‘I’m an alcoholic and my name is Father Martin,’” said Abraham. “And that was the first time that I could ever admit what was wrong with me without being ashamed of it.”

In 1978, Abraham suggested that Martin establish a center where alcoholics could come for treatment. After several years of fundraising and the acquisition of Oakington—the former estate of Sen. Millard Tydings in Havre de Grace, Maryland—Abraham’s idea became a reality.

“We opened on Monday, Jan. 17, 1983, a very cold day; but Noble Hall glowed with warmth,” said Father Martin. “That feeling of warmth, comfort, and security wasn’t coming from the new—and very expensive—heating system, however. It was coming directly from Mae Abraham and everyone knew it.”

Named after Abraham’s father, the Rev. Arthur Ashley, and Father Martin, the facility changed its name to Ashley Addiction Treatment in 2015. Because of Abraham’s vision, Ashley has treated more than 45,000 patients from all over the United States and their families over the course of 36 years.

News of her death has inspired many former Ashley alumni to reminisce on the incredible impact Ashley Addiction Treatment and Abraham had in their lives.

“Mae Abraham helped us all understand that our lives truly mattered,” said Lynda Carter, actress; widely known for her role as Wonder Woman; former Ashley Board Member. “She could light up a room with her smile. I will miss you, Mae.”

Nils Lofgren, musician and member of the E Street Band expressed his gratitude for Abraham’s friendship and encouragement throughout the years by adding, “Mae and Father Martin were always so supportive and helpful with my sobriety. Whenever I'd reach out, they always made time for me and had the answers and advice I needed. I, along with so many, will deeply miss her and forever be grateful for her kindness and friendship.”

Popular singer and Platinum recording artist, Johnny Mathis, paid tribute by stating, “To say that Mae Abraham was part and parcel of saving my career, and probably prolonging my life, would be understating the role that she and Ashley had in my life.”

Patrick J. Kennedy, former Congressman and founder of The Kennedy Forum remembers Ashley as a truly special place. “Over the past 36 years, it’s provided lifesaving care to tens of thousands of people, and continues to be regarded as one of the best facilities in the nation. While I mourn her passing, I am heartened knowing that her contributions will live on at Ashley.”

Ashley Addiction Treatment will celebrate the life of Abraham on Ashley’s main campus in Havre de Grace. A special rose with brilliant yellow and orange highlights will be situated in the Chapel Garden in lasting memory to the First Lady of Ashley. Details are forthcoming.

Abraham is survived by her son, Alex, and his wife, Caroline, and two grandchildren.

ABOUT ASHLEY ADDICTION TREATMENT

Ashley Addiction Treatment (Ashley) is a nationally recognized leader in the integrated, evidence-based treatment of substance-use disorders. Ashley’s expert staff implements a comprehensive program for patients that integrates a full spectrum of medical, clinical and holistic treatment methods. Ashley’s driving principle – “everything for recovery” – reinforces its timeless mission to heal each individual with respect and dignity, and reflects its ongoing commitment to meet new challenges. Accredited by The Joint Commission and a division of Ashley Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Ashley has treated nearly 45,000 patients since its inception in 1983. Ashley’s expansive offerings include inpatient as well as outpatient treatment, sobriety enrichment, community outreach, family and children’s education and specialty programs. For more information, please visit www.ashleytreatment.org.