Deirdre Abbott

I was lucky enough to be in a church where Deidre was our talented musical leader when Sam was a small child. She was a wonderful person and left a beautiful legacy wherever she was.

In memory of Deirdre Abbott, Lanya Yu lit a candle

Ms. Abbott was one of my favorite teachers. I really miss her and I wish I could show her how I've been improving on cello and piano. She taught me on and off for five years before her passing and I've learned soo much for her! In class, she used to bake treats for us on holidays and organize field trips too and she also had the best jokes. I always felt relaxed in her class which was a huge relief from all the other stuff I had going on. I think of her a lot whenever I play music and I hope if she can see me somehow that I'll make her proud.

Missing you sweet lady. Forever and always. Dawn

I recall Deirdre in her first years of teaching in Sun Prairie with dedication to everyone who passed her way. Sam and our granddaughter were in her Orchestra class. Deirdre's wonderful patience and appreciation of their joking and laughter was honored in her special way. I extend my deepest feelings to her people. She leaves a warmth that is felt by so many. Thankyou Deirdre! Susan Kelly

I'm sorry to hear of the passing of such a beautiful soul. I've only gotten to speak to Deirdre a few times, but she was always so positive and had a warm welcoming smile every time I saw her. The few times that I really got to have a good conversation with her, she gave me the best advice about staying positive throughout hardships in life. And she spoke so highly of her son. I know that she treasured her family relationships. I hope you feel comfort in knowing that she touch so many people in many ways.

Abbott Family - So so sorry for your loss. Diedre was a dedicated talented teacher and an awesome Mom. Sam was a baseball player of mine, when talking with her about him, her eyes would light up! She was so proud of him and his accomplishments. Diedre and her loved ones are in my thoughts and prayers.

Deidre was an amazing teacher. When students spoke of orchestra it was always with such love and excitement. Whenever I had conversations about her about teaching or life, I left with a huge smile on my face and felt lighter. She was such a positive person to have in my life and will be greatly missed.

Mrs. Abbott was such an amazing orchestra teacher and I loved being in her class, she always chose the best songs for us to play and challenged us to do better. My favorite memory would probably have to be when we played On an Eastern Shore, and she pushed us to really think about the image that came to mind when we played this piece. I wish we could have had more time together.

I am so sorry for your loss. Deirdre was an amazing teacher and co-worker! She will be missed dearly!

Deirdre was a passionate, dedicated, creative, and joyful teacher. She taught music with the best of them, but arguably taught life even better. Her impact will last many generations - whether its jokes, music-making, or how to be a kind and helpful human being. Deirdre - you are equally missed and remembered.

My heart goes out to the family of Miss Abbott, especially her son Sam, who she loved so much. I met Miss Abbott in 2008, when I attended fiddle camp for the first time. I was never the best viola player, but Miss Abbott always was there to encourage me to do my best. I can't tell you the number of times she had to tell me to be quiet during our orchestra classes, I can still hear her voice in my head. Having her as my teacher was a blessing, spending time with her each week during my lesson was always so fun, even if I was struggling to play the music. She was the sweetest teacher, even sweeter than the starbursts she would give us after our lessons. Even after I left CHUMS I was always so happy to see her, the week of the all city music festival was always the best. I remember so many of us running to see her as soon as we saw her come into the gym, and we would all give her giant hugs and tell her how much we missed her. The last time I saw Miss Abbott was a few years ago, at Kwik Trip in Sun Prairie. We hugged and talked and it was so amazing to see her. I wish I could have seen her one more time just to tell her how much I loved and appreciated her, and everything she did. Rest in Peace Miss Abbott, you will always be remembered.

I met Deirdre as a parent before I knew her as a colleague. In both entities, she, per usual, excelled. She was an ever-present parent who always made sure that her son Sam was given the opportunity to grow and succeed as an athlete and as a Student. Her commitment to Sam and her lead by example approach, has helped him to become an incredible teacher, and an even better person. Once I began to teach at the same school with Deirdre , I quickly became aware that she did the exact same thing for her students. It is this dedication, professionalism, and expertise that made her an incredible teacher but an even better mom! I knew Deirdre Abbott, and I am a better person for getting the chance to do so. She is already missed, and will forever be.

The way Deirdre used her musical talent to benefit her students and the school and the church made her an asset to her community. It is so sad to see such a beautiful life cut so short. Sympathy and prayers to John and Vonda, Kathy, Greg, and Sam.

You positively influenced so many! Adults and children alike. Most importantly, you succeeded in raising a wonderful wonderful son who is doing the same. Job well done beautiful lady! May fly with the angels to the glorious sounds of Heaven.

What a BEAUTIFUL TRIBUTE to a VERY SPECIAL LADY!

In memory of Deirdre Abbott, Sam Robinson lit a candle

Thank you Deirdre for all the wonderful talks we had. I will never forget you. I know god must have needed a beautiful orchestra leader in heaven. Play your beautiful music. Until we meet again sweet friend. Love you always, Dawn your favorite custodian

Our deepest sympathies to family and those who also knew and loved Deirdre, like we did. Our church family at First Presbyterian of Waunakee was blessed that Deirdre was our Music Director for a year and also filled in for our organist from time to time. What a gift she was, musically, personally and professionally! We mourn with you and celebrate such a precious life that gave so much to her family, church, students, friends and colleagues. May God Bless you all! Sam & Diane Robinson, Waunakee

I was privileged (as were so many other students) to get to know Mrs. Abbott. And though I wish I had gotten to know her better, I am very thankful for the time that we had. But, how well you knew her didn't matter, because she loved every student dearly. So what can I tell you about Mrs. Abbott She was a great teacher. Knew her stuff, prepared well, explained clearly. But that's not what made her a great teacher, that's what made her a competent teacher. What made her great was that she truly cared about her students. She gave them her time and lots of it. She listened to them and let them know she truly cared about them. She took them seriously. She learned their names. She let them know how they were doing with regular feedback. And when they did something good, she praised them - and she meant it; nothing made her happier than seeing her students succeed. The kinds of things I've mentioned so far are things that I admired her for, but the feelings of love that go so much deeper are triggered not just by those things, but also by more subtle things - her smile that was her trademark, and how she always encouraged everyone to be kind to one another. Ms. Abbott showed herself to be, as I always knew, a hero. And she was brave, I always knew that. I never doubted her courage, determination and strength but her fight with Pancreatic Cancer demonstrated this to me dramatically. She fought hard to get better and overcome Cancer. She was truly determined. Whether it was doing chemo, or playing violin even when she couldn't feel her fingers well, she persevered through it. She had a fighting spirit. I'll miss the things we did, but I'll miss far more the things we'll never do. I admired Ms. Abbott for the things she could do, her talents, her strengths, her abilities. I loved her for her caring way, her enthusiasm, and for the the beautiful things she said. The orchestra program won't be the same without her. There will be a strong absence in our Music Community. We will all truly miss her.

Deirdre was my "bench" partner at United Methodist Church. As organists and friends we had a great relationship through the years. She was an extraordinary organist and pianist. I will miss her.

So very sorry to hear. She was loved and admired by many. RIP

Sam- I can't imagine your loss. I remember out lesson days when we were younger, my sister and I would have a lesson with you mom and the other would play GameCube with you. I was not great at practicing at the time, but your mom was alway patient and kind. She challenged me in ways I wish I pushed further on. She was a great teacher and will be forever missed.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.