40°
WESTPORT, Conn. – Patricia Tabram Abbott died Sunday, Feb. 22.
She and her late husband, William, were proud Westport residents for over 50 years. Born in New York City to the late Ralph Cressman Tabram and Miriam Eichart Tabram, she spent her early years in Mount Vernon, N.Y., before heading to boarding school, where she excelled in academics and honed her love of science. She graduated from Davis and Elkins College as a pre-med major with a bachelor’s degree in biology. She followed her passion in health care and graduated in 1952 from The Flower Fifth Avenue School of Nursing of New York Medical College. She worked as clinical cupervisor of the operating rooms at Flower Fifth Avenue, where she met her husband. They were married for 58 years before his death less than one year ago. They enjoyed golf, weekly tennis outings, sunsets at the beach and when not physically active, they could always be found at the Westport Public Library, where they became early active supporters.
She retired from nursing and worked for 25 years as the executive director of the Westport Housing Authority, where she oversaw the development and management of its housing projects: Hales Court, Canal Park, Sasco Creek Village and Hidden Brook. She also served as vice chairman of the Health District, was a board member of the Community Council and was active in political committees. In addition to these achievements, she was a classically trained pianist, painter, accomplished cook and lover of wildlife, often describing her travel and safari to Kenya as the best adventure of her life.
She was predeceased by her husband, William F. Abbott Jr.
She is survived by her son, Richard Abbott of Bridgeport; her daughter, Sally Cadoux; son-in-law Peter Cadoux; and three grandchildren.
The family will receive friends and family Sunday, March 1, from 1-3 p.m. at Maplewood at Strawberry Hill assisted living community, 73 Strawberry Hill Ave., Norwalk. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Abbott’s name can be made to the Westport Public Library, 20 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.
