Abbie Mae Woolwine was given the gift of Heaven June 25, 2015 following a lifelong illness. Her final days were spent surrounded by her family and close friends in the comfort of her home. The familiar sounds of laughter, singing, and her brothers and cousins playing were the last sounds she heard.
Abbie was given to us on October 15, 2006 in Jackson, Wyoming. Even though Abbie's life would seem too short to many, those who were touched by her understood that the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time in which she lived. Her gentle smile and big blue eyes could melt the hearts of those around her and though she lost her ability to speak, her voice and thoughts could always be heard and felt.
Although Abbie's illness made her appear frail and weak, she possessed strength, perseverance, grace, hope for a better tomorrow, unending faith, and an ability to "speak life" and spread love wherever she went. With her courage and endurance she led us to the true realization that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories. She enjoyed music, sleeping, hunting and fishing with her brother's, going camping, all kinds of animals, reading stories and being surrounded by the people she loved, especially other children. Her mom felt that her favorite colors were pink and purple, but her brothers were quick to point out that Abbie is now free to pick her own, so that is still under some debate.
With Abbie's passing we would like to express to others that her life and Life in general, should be celebrated. Often times when a person with a terminal illness passes away people will explain that: "Today, Abbie Mae Woolwine lost a courageous battle with Nieman Pick Disease…" With Abbie that is not the case. Her disease did not define who she was! That disease may have taken her fragile body, but with her spirit being set free into heaven she has claimed a resounding victory over it. Up against Abbie and her heart full of love, Nieman Pick never stood a chance! We will miss her every day, especially her "all knowing" eyes and smile, but she is free! Free to do the things she couldn't but wanted to! Free of her affliction and full of the life that was held back by her wheelchair; no more tubes, no more cords…able now to not only walk but to run. And free, as her brother pointed out, to eat all the cotton candy she wants without her teeth falling out!
We hope that you take comfort in the fact that she touched your life and the life of many others. Through this adventure we have come to understand that when we are moved to tears, or moved by emotion, there is a reason for it. Whether watching a powerful movie or watching our child take her last breath, the fact that we are feeling what we are feeling is evidence enough that the Holy Spirit, and now Abbie, is alive in our hearts. Be it sorrow, pain, or joy, the welling up inside should be the comfort we need to know we are not alone. If this were not true, we wouldn't feel what we are now feeling. She will forever remain in all of our hearts until we can be with her again! Through her teachings about life, we were all able to create wonderful memories!
Abbie is survived by her loving parents, Dale and Julie (Neubauer) Woolwine of Daniel Wyoming; brother Reece Woolwine and Taggart Woolwine; Paternal grandparents Willard and Connie (Drake) Woolwine of Jackson Wyoming; Maternal grandparents Bill and Michele (Weichman) Doyle of Jackson Wyoming, and Mike and Sandy Neubauer of Casper Wyoming; Uncle Dan Woolwine of Thayne Wyoming; Aunt and Uncle Matt and April (Cornelius) Neubauer of Pinedale Wyoming, Aunt and Uncle Scott and Robin (Enos) Neubauer of Kinnear, Wyoming, Uncle Christian Doyle of Jackson Wyoming, and cousins Sawyer, Kylee, Grace, Caine and Eva. She also has a huge number of extended family and friends who are practically our family who are too great in number to list!
She was preceded in death by her paternal great-grandparents John (Frank) and Agnes Woolwine, and William (Joe) and Ethel Drake; maternal great-grandparents Frank and Carol Doyle, Charles Weichman, Charles and Inez Long, and Howard and Marcella Neubauer; Aunt Kristen Woolwine; and Cousin Sydney Hayes Neubauer.
Funeral services will be held at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Jackson, Wyoming on Thursday July 2, 2015 at 10:30am with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend (and feel free to wear your favorite colorful outfit; This is a celebration!)