Patricia Abel Obituary

Patricia Caldwell Neish Abel, 84, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born August 6, 1941, in Forfar, Scotland, to Robert and Agnes Neish. She was raised in the highlands of Scotland, would often "climb/run" up Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Scotland) and called a "wee champ" by her father. She attended and graduated from Lochaber High School, Dunfermline College of Physical Education, and received her master's degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College. With her degrees, she dedicated her life to teaching and inspiring thousands of children, and when she saw a need would enlist the help of her friends whether to raise monies for sports equipment, or to collect art supplies for the migrant children of Immokalee, or obtain a grant for a small bike path for the daycare she worked at later in life.

Patricia and her husband moved to the United States in their early 20s, with "$200 and a trunk of items" to start a life here. They had two children, worked hard, proudly became naturalized United States citizens, and then experienced the American dream of owning their own home.

In retirement, she enjoyed reading, checking in with friends/family on Facetime, playing tennis, pickleball, and golf. She always enjoyed her crafts and was a talented painter.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth Abel; sister, Heather Symon; children, Tracy Zielinski (Joe) and Rob Abel (Christy); five grandchildren (Joshua, Jeffrey, Camden, Ainsley, and Addison); and one great-granddaughter (Olivia).

She will be fondly remembered for her friendship, artistic abilities, and deep care for her students.

In accordance with her wishes, there will not be a viewing or funeral: instead, an online Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a future date.