Abigail S. Arnold

May 6, 1963 - January 23, 2021

Abigail S. Arnold passed away peacefully in Charlottesville, Va., on January 23, 2021, after living with cancer for her last decade.

Born in Washington, D.C. on May 6, 1963, Abby lived in McLean, Charlottesville, Richmond, Kauai, Germany, New York, Princeton, and North Carolina before returning to Charlottesville in 2007.

Abby was passionate about education, receiving degrees from UVA (BA), VCU (MSW & MA) and UNC Greensboro (PHD). As a lecturer at the University of Richmond, VCU, Mary Baldwin, and UVA, Abby shared her lifelong interests in teaching writing, literature, popular culture, social equity and women's & gender studies. Abby was incredibly kind, wickedly smart and had an irreverent sense of humor that was always perfectly timed. She loved people, teaching and interacting with her students, music, drama, the Hero's Journey, Labrador Retrievers, gardening, the ocean, travel and watching her children pursue their own interests, especially in their school drama and musical theater productions.

Abby was a huge fan of Bruce Springsteen and it seems only fitting to use his words to share how Abby viewed the world and how those who have been lucky enough to know her, will carry her memory forward:

"Now everyone dreams of a love lasting and true

But you and I know what this world can do

So let's make our steps clear that the other may see

And I'll wait for you

If I should fall behind

Wait for me"

She is survived by her children, Jack Antes (20) and Morgan Antes (18); mother, Lila Lohman; sister, Mary Arnold; brother, Guy Arnold; sister-in-law, Liz Arnold; and two nieces, Lila Arnold and Anna Scott Arnold. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl F. Arnold and brother, Bill Arnold.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to Camp Kesem at the University of Virginia Chapter (www.campkesem.org).

Condolences may be shared with the family at HillandWood.com.

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

Published by Daily Progress from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Abigail Arnold

10 Entries

Angus Kerr

January 21, 2023

She lives on in our hearts, now and forever.
-Angus Kerr, proud to have been her classmate and friend at Potomac School (1970- 1978)

Grace Beeman

February 10, 2022

I took Abigail Arnold's class during my first year at UVA and it had such a profound impact on my life. She was a wonderful professor and her class prompted myself and other students to draw on our own lives and experiences as a source of learning. I was deeply saddened to learn of her passing. I, along with the UVA WGS department, wanted to ask for the permission to honor Abby at graduation this year. I was not sure what the best way to get in contact with you would be but please reach out if you're interested. We would like the positive influence she had on the lives' of her students to be celebrated.

Bret Neiser

February 3, 2021

Abby had the best laugh. You couldn´t help but to laugh with her. She was a bright light everywhere she went. I´m lucky to have known her. All of my love and sympathy to the family.

Angus Kerr

January 30, 2021

I knew Abby from Potomac School. The kindness, patience and caring she showed me as stayed with me all my life. The world is better for having Abby in it. My condolences to the family. Angus Kerr

Joanie Tanous

January 29, 2021

I always felt like an idiot when Abby would speak because she was so well-read, and words danced out of her mouth elegantly like a perfectly choreographed ballet. She was the most intelligent person I knew from high school through adulthood -- but she never flaunted her knowledge. She taught me how to question statements without being condescending. She approached life and all its challenges with thoughtfulness and tenacity. I learned how to "adult" from Abby. In the words of her favorite songsmith, Bruce Springsteen, "Let your mind rest easy, sleep well my friend
It's only our bodies that betray us in the end.".

a few years back

Chris Lilley

January 29, 2021

Deep and substantial friendships are few and far between, we'll always be grateful for our friendship with Abby

Deniz (Ozberkmen) Dennery

January 29, 2021

Your loss is profound and I am so very sorry. Abby was loved dearly and left such an imprint on our hearts. I loved sharing my high school years with such an awesome friend. Abby was unstoppable, honest and determined. I will carry her spirit with me everyday. I offer you my love and comfort.

Lallon Pond

January 28, 2021

I was so saddened by this news. I worked with Abby at Mary Baldwin and loved her humor and intelligence and friendliness and outspokenness. Sending peace, strength and beautiful memories to all who loved and cared for her.

Doug Meyer and Alberto McKelligan

January 28, 2021

This is such sad news. We had the pleasure of working with her at Uva. Abby was such a wonderful person with a kind heart. Students loved her.

Jodie Plaisance

January 27, 2021

Abby was such a wonderful friend to me for the past 19 years! She was one of my very first clients in my studio...always honest and kind. She listened carefully and was someone I always looked so forward to seeing. Abby fought cancer and all of the other ailments that came her way with fierceness & grace and as often to be as she could, with a sense of humor. I will miss her laugh and smile and I will deeply miss her friendship.

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