Obituary for Joette Ann Abbey
Joette Abbey, affectionately known as "Bunny", 68 of Churchville, N.Y. died unexpectedly on November 26th, 2020 in her residence. She was born in Jamestown on October 2, 1952; the daughter of Joseph and Phyllis Urbanik of Bemus Point, NY.
After graduating from Maple Grove High School in 1970, Joette attended Jamestown Community College, continuing on to Brockport State College where she received Bachelor and Master Degrees in Physical Education. Upon graduating she taught at Cardinal Mooney and Caledonia-Mumford High School, where she coached volleyball, soccer and softball. She was highly respected by her students and peers and led many of her teams to the playoffs with impressive winning records, as well as being a beloved friend and mentor.
She is survived by two sisters: Judy (David) Ribbing of Ashville, NY; Jean (Al) Garcia of Houston, TX; and two brothers: James Urbanik of Bemus Point, NY and Jon (Becky) Urbanik of San Antonio, TX. Also surviving are her 13 nieces and nephews whom she loved fondly as “her children.” All the kids cherish the memories of summers spent with Aunt Bunny - shooting archery, catching crawdads, basketball games in the attic, driving around on “Babe”, epic “Pass the Ace” matches, and singing and dancing to goofy 90’s songs.
Joette will best be remembered as a fun loving, sweet, caring person with a heart of gold, a wonderful sense of humor, and contagious laugh. Always keeping you on your toes with her witty sarcasm. She loved friends and family deeply and was incredibly generous. Documenting memories was important to her, she was the family videographer capturing all the fun times. She was also an animal lover, especially of her little Dachshunds. Watching the Yankees play was one of her favorite pastimes while collecting every piece of Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly memorabilia she could find. She had an amazing green thumb with prize worthy gardens. An irreplaceable soul -- the world is now short one remarkably special person. Her presence will be dearly missed.
Joette is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joseph Urbanik and her partner Anthony Mitchell. She will be buried in Bemus Point Cemetery near her parents and brother. Due to Covid the funeral and burial will be postponed until the summer of 2021. Donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research or Mary Cariola in her honor.
After graduating from Maple Grove High School in 1970, Joette attended Jamestown Community College, continuing on to Brockport State College where she received Bachelor and Master Degrees in Physical Education. Upon graduating she taught at Cardinal Mooney and Caledonia-Mumford High School, where she coached volleyball, soccer and softball. She was highly respected by her students and peers and led many of her teams to the playoffs with impressive winning records, as well as being a beloved friend and mentor.
She is survived by two sisters: Judy (David) Ribbing of Ashville, NY; Jean (Al) Garcia of Houston, TX; and two brothers: James Urbanik of Bemus Point, NY and Jon (Becky) Urbanik of San Antonio, TX. Also surviving are her 13 nieces and nephews whom she loved fondly as “her children.” All the kids cherish the memories of summers spent with Aunt Bunny - shooting archery, catching crawdads, basketball games in the attic, driving around on “Babe”, epic “Pass the Ace” matches, and singing and dancing to goofy 90’s songs.
Joette will best be remembered as a fun loving, sweet, caring person with a heart of gold, a wonderful sense of humor, and contagious laugh. Always keeping you on your toes with her witty sarcasm. She loved friends and family deeply and was incredibly generous. Documenting memories was important to her, she was the family videographer capturing all the fun times. She was also an animal lover, especially of her little Dachshunds. Watching the Yankees play was one of her favorite pastimes while collecting every piece of Derek Jeter and Don Mattingly memorabilia she could find. She had an amazing green thumb with prize worthy gardens. An irreplaceable soul -- the world is now short one remarkably special person. Her presence will be dearly missed.
Joette is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joseph Urbanik and her partner Anthony Mitchell. She will be buried in Bemus Point Cemetery near her parents and brother. Due to Covid the funeral and burial will be postponed until the summer of 2021. Donations in her memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research or Mary Cariola in her honor.