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Abbie Hoisington, 28, 'expected the best' for pupils
Abbie L. Hoisington's students say it the best.
"She taught us about honesty, confidence, kindness and respect for one another and ourselves," said one.
"She cared about us and expected the best for us and never gave up on us," said another.
Ms. Hoisington, 28, of Cranston, was a special-education teacher at Burrillville High School. Though she had been there less than a year, the talkative teacher -- affectionately known as Gabby Abbie -- had made many friends.
Abbie's interest in special education began in high school when her teachers encouraged her to get involved with the Special Education Club, her family said. Soon after, she volunteered to work with the Special Olympics. Then she majored in special education at the University of Southern Connecticut.
But she didn't teach just academics. She taught life skills. Abbie took her students grocery shopping and gave them cooking lessons. She took them bowling, and sailing on her parents' boat. She and her students made soap and sold it to help raise money for classroom accessories, including a refrigerator they had hoped to buy.
She was a constant advocate for her students.
"She was a pit bull for something she believed in," said her mother, Bonnie A. Hoisington, of Cranston.
Abbie wasn't a fan of Great White, the band playing at The Station the night of the fire. She went because her friend, Lisa D'Andrea, a special education teacher in Cranston, asked her to come, Mrs. Hoisington said. Lisa D'Andrea, 42, of Barrington, also died in the fire.
Abbie loved music and stepdancing. She collected everything: clothes, CDs, perfumes, and for some reason, pigs. Her family left a porcelain pig at the fire site in memory of her.
But mostly, she lived for her students, her mother said.
One of her former pupils, Samuel "Sammy" F. Muskelly, 18, sang at her funeral.
Sammy said Ms. Hoisington put up with his 13-year-old bad attitude and always kept him motivated when he was in her class at Hope Middle School in Providence. When he invited her to his plays or talent shows, she would always attend.
"All the high notes that I can't hit, I was hitting them because she came out there for me," he said.
Sammy still knows her telephone number by heart.
"She was like E.F. Hutton to me. When she talked, I listened," he said. "I knew what she was telling me was the right way."
-- Cathleen Crowley, Providence Journal staff
11 Entries
I think about Abbie almost every day.
Feb. 20, 2021
Babette Augustin
Friend
February 20, 2021
I remember seeing her as I would work on my brother Scott's house next door. She was always so kind ,sweet and polite. I watched her grow up from a young teenager to a young adult. I often think about her and the positive inpack she would've had to the Rhode Island community. She oftem reminds me of my own daugher.
RIP . my friend
Brian Jab.
Brian Jabagjorian
Neighbor
February 20, 2021
I remember Abby. She used to help me in special Olympics. Abby was funny and she always made her. Athletes laugh and smile
February 20, 2015
Abbie, I didn't know you very well, but my daughter Laurie (one of your students from Burrillville) loved you! You were a great teacher to so many kids! The kids all loved you. I loved the way that you made them see their dreams and chase them! May you rest in peace!!!
Joellen Beausoleil
October 21, 2014
A sorrow that is always with me. Miss you and love you. Mom
August 31, 2013
Abbie, I miss you so much! I have no doubt you are keeping the angels in step and laughing. St Pats is in a couple of days and I have to say, I will have a wee drink in your honor. Love you Abbie!
Mo Lisi-MacReady
Maureen "Mo" Lisi-MacReady
March 14, 2013
Diane Mouradjian
February 21, 2013
Even though 10 years have passed, I'm sure the hurt of losing such a beautiful daughter is still with you, and always will be. Thinking of you Bonnie and Lee. Laura and Bob Souza
February 20, 2013
Bonnie and Lee,
Thinking of you at this time.
Love, Brenda and Mike
February 19, 2013
Abbie, you will never be forgotten. You are missed by all.
February 19, 2013
Abbie, not a minute goes by that we don't think of you. Miss you beyond words Love, Mom
February 9, 2013
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