Abbye Gorin died of natural causes on August 4, 2017 in Covington, Louisiana just shy of her 90th birthday. She was born Abbye Alexander to Sophie Pepper and Albert A. Alexander in Houston, Texas on August 22, 1927. Abbye was an only child raised in a happy close-knit family which she fondly remembered all of her life.
Abbye described herself as a “chronic student”. She began college at 16 years of age and graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Radio Broadcasting. Her love of writing and design accompanied her through life as she followed her passions of photography, architecture, history and the arts. She collected books and friends along the way, tirelessly advocating for people and causes she supported.
Her husband and best friend was Steve Gorin. Steve and Abbye were married for 70 years. For 20 years, they owned and operated Plastic Engineered Products in Jefferson Parish. After selling the business, they traveled the world and pursued higher learning together, resulting in two Ph.Ds from Virginia Tech in 1989.
Mostly they had fun just being together with their friends and family. Daughters Polly Gorin and Robin Montz, grandsons Austin Payne, Jared Montz and Bennett Montz and 5 great grandchildren all knew her as Mudda. Mudda will be remembered for her curiosity and work ethic, her perfection, her quiet observations on life and her sense of humor. Abbye always felt like a lucky person and we were lucky to have her as our wife, mom, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. She will be missed.
The family is planning a private celebration of Abbye’s life in the future. Donations in her memory may be made to one of her favorite organizations, Second Harvest Food Bank.
The family invites you to share your thoughts, fond memories and condolences online at www.lakelawnmetairie.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home & Cemeteries.
August 17, 2017
Lance Query
I came to know Abbye through her work/support of Tulane's Latin American Library. Whenever we had an event at the Library, Steve and Abbye were sure to attend. Perhaps more than anything else at these events I looked forward to seeing them again and again. Abbye contributed to the Library in so many ways, even to nearly the end of her life. Thank you, Abbye. The affection and attention Steve and Abbye had for one another was both obvious and inspiring; that's how it is supposed to work. My condolences, Steve.
August 14, 2017
Deena Berg
My condolences to cousin Abbye's family. I am glad my mother and brother were able to spend time visiting her in New Orleans. I enjoyed hearing about their visits. She was such an accomplished woman.
August 14, 2017
Deena Berg
My condolences to cousin Abbye's family. She was an accomplished scholar, and I'm glad my mother and brother were able to spend time getting to know her better these past few years. I'm sorry I did not get the chance to know her, but it was always nice to hear about their visits.
August 13, 2017
Marianne and Norman Kim
Abbye will be remembered as a wonderful friend while travelling to Russia and to Greece. We took aqua exercise classes and had great dinners together. She will remain in our hearts forever.
August 12, 2017
John & Jane Montz
On our visits home to New Orleans, we enjoyed catching up with Abbye; she was always involved in plenty of interesting endeavors and always interested in what was going on with us. Her intellect and passion for learning were qualities to admire, as was the relationship she shared with Steve. We will miss her.
August 12, 2017
Peggie May
I've been fortunate to know Abbe, thanks to my brother. She was his awesome mother-in-law. She quickly became my inspiration to continue learning, traveling & keeping the body healthy & strong. More importantly Abbye always asked about my life & activities....genuinely caring about me. I will miss our ice cream chats.
August 11, 2017
Rita Hight
Whenever I would have the opportunity and honor of speaking with Abbye, she would always be working on a fascinating project and would tell me all about it. I was always amazed at her creative productivity and intellectual drive. Abbye was a wonderfully kind and generous individual, and although I was just a niece, she treated my husband and myself as if we were her children. We will miss her deeply.
August 11, 2017
Michel Varisco
Abbye lived across the street from my childhood home and she'd ask me often "what are you reading?" Her own inquisitive mind encouraged us all towards a more thoughtful reflection of the world around us. She would prompt conversation around the most interesting things, for as long as I remember and document as she moved through, producing books and a valuable photographic record. What a great example to us all. She appreciated life and its wonders and shared that with us. I will miss her very much and am so blessed to have known her.
August 9, 2017
ann Loomis
I feel lucky to have know Abbye...what a life, one to be celebrated!!
Ann Loomis
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