Joyce S. Abbott

Memorial Service: January 9th 2016 at 10:00 AM The Church on Cypress 5709 Cypress Ave. Carmichael, CA 95608 In Lieu of Flowers, please make contributions to The Church on Cypress/ Special Adult Ministry The Church on Cypress 5709 Cypress Avenue Carmichael, CA 95608 Born: December 11, 1927 in Berkeley California Went to be with the Lord: December 5, 2015 (87 Years) after her fourth recurrence of cancer Survived by Children: Claudia Wreyford, Kenneth Hole, Dennis Abbott, Janet Seely, Mark Abbott Grandchildren: Keith Hole, Lori Wreyford, Wendy Wreyford, Lydia Bell, Andrew Seely, Jennifer Seely, Michelle Nash, Rose Abbott Great Grandchildren: Morgan and Ronan Bell Cherished extended families included: Griffins, Gruens, Stangers, Smiths, Baums, Wreyfords, Tandys, and Lockharts How impossible it is to sum up some peoples lives. It is especially difficult for those that have truly made a difference in the world they lived in and Mom did make a difference. When I started writing this I went through some of Mom’s papers. I found a note I had written to her many-many- years ago. So long ago I didn’t even remember writing it. It was exactly how I felt about her then and now. I’d like to share it with you. “Mom, I’m lost just trying to describe you. Growing up, you held us all together. I was never made to feel you gave up everything for me, but I never questioned you would. How can I thank someone who baked thousands of birthday cupcakes for my classes, picked up eyeballs from the slaughterhouse for my science class, founded a school for Autism when none existed to meet my brother’s needs, when no group home existed for Keith, you raised funds and opened one, you loved me unconditionally when there was little to love, laughed and cried with me and never was too busy when I needed you. I never thought anything was beyond your capabilities. Usually, people grow up and realize how silly their beliefs about their Mom were. You have only continued to confirm mine. You remain in service to others daily. I still watch you rise to the impossible requests I make- making 100 four inch fortune cookies for a Cypress women’s luncheon causing you to burn every single finger!!!. You have never let me down and my strongest desire is that in some way I have shown you how much that means to me. Even more important, how incredible it is to see you and those wonderful traits passed on and living in my daughters. I couldn’t admire or love you more. I thank God for the gift he gave me when he gave me you.” It’s hard to believe I don’t even remember writing this. Just a note slipped into a card so long ago. Thanks for keeping it Mom. Beyond her character, here are some interesting facts you may not be aware of: - Her Grandfather was a sheepherder in Northern California when only Cattle families were welcome. This must be where she and all of the family get our spirit to conquer new territories and never accept-“ you can’t do that!” - Born in Berkeley CA in 1927. She was born at home rather than in a hospital which I didn’t find out until last week - Raised by a single mother during the depression. This led to her being in a foster home for about a year - She grew up working hard and having high expectations given to her. Still her Mother gave her a home where laughter and good humored fun were always present - She had a flare for art in a time when only practical skills were encouraged or I think she might have been really accomplished - In a small Lafayette High School she had an amazing PE teacher who also taught Modern Dance. No one had even much heard of Modern Dance at that time. Millicent Hamburger, her teacher, had been trained by, none other than, Isadora Duncan the “Mother” of Modern Dance. Mom was the lead in countless school productions. She was graceful beyond words. At mom’s 60th High School Reunion, Millicent led the same girls (then 80 years old) in the same dance routines much to Mom’s horror - She earned her degree from University of California at Berkley majoring in mathematics - She had three children- Claudia Ken and Keith. Keith was severely Autistic. This also led to her love of the Special Adult Sunday School Class at The Church on Cypress - When there were no services available to meet Keith’s needs she with several other families founded the first school for Autistic children in Northern California. The national magazine, Parade, featured her efforts to raise awareness and gain services for these children - She worked as a secretary for State legislators, as a legal secretary, and finally with the Sacramento Union Newspaper for 20 years as an executive secretary. - She never wanted anyone to know she had been married three times. She said it sounded ridiculous and she felt like Zsa Zsa Gabor. She was married to my father, Robert Hole, for 25 years, Richard Baum for 24 years (He passed away in 1995), and at 73 married Norman Abbott. They had a wonderful 6 years before he too went to be with the Lord. She has loved and been loved. - She loved and served her church family at Cypress: 8 years on the kitchen team, when that meant preparing dinner for 60-80 every Wednesday night; prayer chain member then chairperson for over 15 years; so many meals to those who were ill or grieving I can’t count them; cookies for Vacation Bible School; member of the Joshua Sunday School Class where she loved and supported each member with her whole heart; firm commitment to missions and tithing; she always looked for a place to serve her Lord. She left us all with big shoes to fill and standards we need to live up to. She shared herself completely with each of us. So when we feel lonely for her, we just need remember how she lived and loved then try to pass on those same qualities to those around us. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. ====================================================================== ======================================================================

Joyce S. Abbott

December 11, 1927 - December 5, 2015