URVE KORRE ABBOTT

After an incredible 88 years of living life to its fullest, Urve Korre Abbott passed away on September 19, 2025, at The Village of Riverside Glen, Guelph, with her children by her side. Urve is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lewis William Abbott; her children, William Harvey Abbott (Jennifer) and Mary Elisabeth Abbott (Kevin); and her grandchildren, Liam (Audrey), Charlie, Hannah and Owen. Urve was born in Parnu, Estonia, on July 11, 1937. As the Russians advanced on Estonia, her parents, Lydia and Henn Korre, purchased a boat and escaped to Sweden in June 1944. Urve was always one who loved to be sociable and thought it was amazing to be staying in a refugee camp where she was able to meet so many new friends. At age 9, in December 1946, her father decided to make a better life in Canada, and they moved to Sherbrooke, Quebec, where she learned to speak English and French (her sixth and seventh languages). Urve then became the proud older sister of Peeter Korre, who predeceased her in 2003. Urve attended Bishop's University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in 1959. While working at Hovey Manor in North Hately one summer she met Lew, and they were married on June 25, 1960. Urve woke up every day loving life and craving adventure! She devoted her career to supporting science students at the University of Guelph's Chemistry Department, was a voracious reader and lover of music and art, travelled to every continent on the globe, played bridge with the same group of ladies from the University Women's Club for nearly 60 years, donated countess hours to fulfilling her passion of cooking gourmet meals with friends to raise money for charity, all while having time to be an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Arrangements entrusted to Grand River Cremation. Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life shall take place on a date to be set this fall. In the interim, raise a glass of Pinot Grigio, play your favourite opera and do something kind to remember Urve. In lieu of flowers, donations to Stepping Stone Charity in Guelph or The Canadian Opera Company would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences can be made online on Urve's memorial page at www.GrandRiverCremation.com.