Augustine Abbott

1955 - 2020

(News story) Augustine Abbott, an advocate for abused women who often assisted their escape to shelter and independence, died Dec. 31 in University of Toledo Medical Center, the former Medical College of Ohio Hospital. She was 65.

She became ill in mid-December, tested positive for coronavirus Christmas week, and developed pneumonia, daughter, Alicia Abbott said.

Ms. Abbott worked the last five years at the Family and Child Abuse Prevention Center in Toledo. She helped women in abusive households, but also made sure they had the medical and food assistance to which were entitled. She pointed them to legal resources as well.

"She was resourceful. She knew the people who could help you," her daughter said.

Takara Nunn, a friend the last 15 years, said: "She knew her information. She cared. She was compassionate and held your hand. The community took a huge loss [with her death]."

From 2006-14, Ms. Abbott was affiliated with the former Family Service of Northwest Ohio, most notably as supervisor of Project Genesis, a program for those affected by domestic violence. Mrs. Nunn went to Project Genesis seeking help and met Ms. Abbott.

"We became close over time. We hated each other at first," Mrs. Nunn said. "I was hard-headed and didn't want to listen, but she was hard on me. I could tell it was from a place of love and concern.

"If she helped one person she was happy. She helped many more," Mrs. Nunn said. "I never saw her afraid. She was very strong."

The women later took classes at the University of Toledo and worked on papers together.

"She was definitely a woman of God and believed in prayer, and she prayed with me often," said Mrs. Nunn, now a social worker. "She was encouraging, like a mom."

Frogs were Ms. Abbott's emblem, because frogs never jump backward, said Carol Smith, a psychologist, who worked with the Batterers Intervention Program.

"She was inspirational. She was so empathetic and straightforward," Ms. Smith said.

Ms. Abbott organized Christmas parties and picnics for women and their children, to give them a feeling they belonged, "because way too many victims feel shame that they let it happen," said Ms. Smith, who met her at Family Service.

She suspended judgment as she listened to women give reasons for staying in the home: the man will change, or fear of physical harm and financial ruin.

"The big one," Ms. Abbott told The Blade in 2013: "'I love him.' We don't tell them, 'You have to leave [or] you can't come to this program.' "

She would tell the women that they had choices - and there was no excuse for abuse.

From 1988-2005, Ms. Abbott was a teacher with Toledo Head Start, working with preschoolers. Wherever she went, she recognized former students, and they recognized her.

"She loved music and teaching and singing. She was drawn to younger kids," her daughter said.

A teaching position at Harbor Behavioral followed, from 1992-97.

Born Feb. 20, 1955, to Mary and Udell Curl, she was a graduate of Scott High School, then obtained an associate degree from Owens Community College; a bachelor's degree from Spring Arbor University, and a master's degree from UT.

She was formerly married to Larry Abbott.

Surviving are her son, Brandon Abbott; daughter, Alicia Abbott; mother, Mary Curl; brothers, Edward Stuart and Terry, Larry, and Don Curl, and two grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday at Shiloh Baptist Church, where she was a member. A private funeral service is to follow. Arrangements are by Dale-Riggs Funeral Home.

This is a news story by Mark Zaborney. Contact him at mzaborney@theblade.com.