Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Deborah Blackmore Abrams

About

Winsor School Boston University Brown University Radcliffe College University of Pennsylvania Wellesley College

Deborah Abrams Obituary

ABRAMS, Deborah (Blackmore) Of Dedham, passed away on, July 15. She is survived by her husband, Jon Abrams, and her daughter, Leah Abrams, of Dedham, MA. She is survived also by her three sisters: Margaret Anderson, Harwich, MA; Anne Sweeney, Eliot, ME; and Catherine Holmes, Wichita, Kansas; and four brothers: Brian Blackmore, Orlando, FL; Charles Blackmore, Weymouth, MA David Blackmore, Harwich, MA and Paul Blackmore, Biloxi, MI. She was predeceased by her brother, James D. Blackmore, Grand Prairie, TX. Deborah is the daughter of James H. Blackmore & Clothilda P. (Ponte) Blackmore, both deceased. Deborah graduated with honors in Philosophy and Black Studies from Wellesley College in 1976, winning a Waddell fellowship for overseas study and serving as a delegate to the United Nations Conference on the Role of Women in Developing Nations. For nearly 30 years Deborah has worked with national and local non-profit organizations from California to Maine aiding their fund-raising, gift-planning, and board management efforts. For the past decade her consulting firm, Abrams Associates, counseled such diverse clients as Bay Cove Human Resources; Boston Latin School; Citizens Bank; Kendal Corporation; Lathrop Communities; MSPCA; New Hampshire SPCA; National Braille Press; People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA); St. Sebastian's School; Winsor School; and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Prior to starting her consulting firm she served on and led planned giving and development teams at Boston College Law School, Brown University, Radcliffe College, the University of Pennsylvania (where she became the first woman to head the Planned Giving Office for an Ivy League institution), and Boston University. Throughout her professional career she taught classes, ran workshops, and wrote books and articles aiding others in the planned giving and fundraising fields. In honor of her decades of outstanding conference presentations and workshops for CASE (Council for the Advancement and Support of Education) programs, she was awarded their Steuben Apple award for excellence to mark her consistently high participant evaluation scores. Along with serving as a volunteer for a variety of Wellesley College and Winsor School initiatives and for numerous fund-raising and planned giving organizations, Deb served the Boston Classical Orchestra as a trustee. A Memorial Service for Deborah will be held at Wellesley College at the College Chapel on Saturday, July 30 at 11 AM. All are welcome. For more information (in lieu of flowers) & guest book, visit www. cambridgesidefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 20 to Jul. 21, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Deborah Abrams

14 Entries

Louise Dunbar

July 14, 2025

It's hard to believe that our 50th reunion is coming up next year and Debbie won't be there. At least I will have my fond memories of her when I'm back on campus.

Allyson Johnson

July 14, 2020

Kept a copy of your Obituary and just reread it recently, as I was going through old files at home...you left this earth too soon, but I think you would have been very saddened by many of the things that are going on these days...am sure you are in a sunnier and happier place, although you are missed down here...hugs

Mangala gunaratne

April 14, 2017

I was looking everywhere for you Deb, finally I thought of entering all your names and this is what I found out..that you are gone forever. It has been six years it seems since you left this world. You are the most kind hearted and sincere person I have ever met in my life. You have done so much to help me during the time that I baby sat for Leah. My heart is aching with the sadness. You will always have a very special place in my heart. I love you Deb. RIP

Jane Staab

August 19, 2011

It is very sad to lose a special person. Debbie had so many accomplishments. Her family must be very proud. My condolences to all. I am sorry not to have kept in touch.

Bambi Mathay

August 12, 2011

Deb,
I had no idea that you had all these achievements until reading it in your guestbook. All I know is that when we were in the massage room, we connected in a very deep way. Somehow I knew that your huge, positive, generous spirit must be doing much in this world. It is this spirit that will continue to live on and pass forward all that you have shared with us.
Thank you Deb. Thank you Jon and Leah for sharing her with us.
Bambi

Renee Blackmore

August 2, 2011

Aunt Deb,

I miss hearing your voice and laughter. You will always be in Paris, Venice, and Florence with me. To me, you are not gone. You are alive with me in spirit. I bought a Joni Mitchell cd the other day and have been listening to it non-stop. I think of our Bolivia games in Florence, and I can still hear your voice singing along with the songs. You will forever be in my heart and on my mind always. I miss you and will love you forever.

"Woke up it was a Chelsea Morning and the first thing that I knew, there was milk and toast and honey and a bowl of oranges too. And the sun poured in like butterscotch and stuck to all my senses. Oh, won't you stay. We'll put on the day, and we'll talk in present tenses." - Joni Mitchell (one of Aunt Deb's favorite lines in "Chelsea Morning")

Lisa Shapiro

July 27, 2011

You were a wonderful mentor and friend Deb. I've missed you over the past couple of years. You were a gift to all who knew you.

Louise Dunbar

July 26, 2011

The one and only A+ I ever got at Wellesley, I owe to Debbie. We took a course together and became a little weekly study group of two. On an hourly exam, we both got an A+ and for the final grade, an A because that was the highest official grade in those days. I was fortunate to have her as a classmate. I will keep her family and loved ones in my prayers.

Shobhana Rishi

July 25, 2011

I can still remember her spirited smile and enthusiasm from our college days. Though I have not been in touch with her, I do remember her and I know she will be missed. Thank you, Deborah!

Ruby Thomas

July 25, 2011

It is with heartfelt sympathy that Deborah, one of our beloved classmates of the 1976 class of Wellesley College, has passed from this life, but certainly not from our love and memory. Your grief is shared by many of Deborah's friends. With regret.

Allyson Johnson

July 25, 2011

I got to renew my friendship with Deborah towards the end of her life. My deceased brother-in-law had left his estate to Wood's Hole and another oceanographic organization. As there was no Trustee named in the Will, I became involved in contacting the beneficiaries at the beginning of November of 2010. I spoke with Deborah for quite a while, before she asked me where I went to school....and when I said Wellesley, she laughed and said she remembered me. We had the most wonderful far-reaching conversation, which helped remind me just how fascinating Wellesley women can be...Deborah knew at the time that she had 4th Stage cancer and that her time was limited....but she was positive, kind & professional, up to the end. She is a wonderful role model in the way she lived her life and how she dealt with adversity. Deborah, you will be missed....Allyson Johnson

Brian Blackmore

July 22, 2011

Her professional life, although very extensive and honored, does not hold a candle to her love, kindness, generosity, and courage.

We will miss you Sis.

Hilda Dagenais

July 21, 2011

She was a special niece. She touched the lives of many. We were blessed to have her in our lives, if even for a short time.
Much love to Jon and Leah. Bless you

Cynthia Jokinen

July 21, 2011

I am so sorry for our loss. She was near the age of my Feankie May , who passed away 9 months ago. May her memories help alll the grief, shock .heartache, pain and hurt you all feel now-and always. Mom of Frankie May born the 22 of-August and-passed away the 30th of October after a very courageous fight of a long illness. i am also the mom of Fred and his wife Sarah 29 and a another son Gus 31. Rip peace, ladies love from your families.

Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results