Abigail Wallace Malone passed away peacefully in San Francisco, California on May 2, 2024, at 23 years old. She was born in Sacramento on November 11, 2000, and spent most of her life surrounded by friends and family in the Carmichael and Fair Oaks communities. She loved school and spent her elementary years at the creative campuses of Mission Avenue Open Elementary, and California Montessori Project, where her mother was lucky enough to have her in class for 5th and 6th grade. She spent many school breaks at Effie Yeaw Nature Center where she enjoyed hiking, rafting, and exploring the outdoors at their nature camps. Abby graduated with an emphasis in art from Bella Vista High School, where she was the co-captain of the tennis team. After high school, she took classes at American River College and hoped to become an oncology nurse and support those most in need of her kind spirit.
Abby was a sensitive, compassionate, and exceptionally bright young woman. She loved her friends and family and wanted nothing more than to be a cherished part of a community. Abby was kind, especially to those who were marginalized and misunderstood. She made strangers feel accepted and heard, particularly those suffering from mental and emotional struggles. Although Abby was shy by nature, she was incredibly brave. She always overcame her shyness, whether she was entering talent shows with friends or facing daunting experiences. Abby also brought laughter and silliness into people's lives with her unique sense of humor and imagination. For example, in her elementary school years her imaginary creature "Baby Wooshie," whose picture appeared all over her mom's classroom, made the other students (and her mom) giggle every time a classroom drawer or textbook was opened to reveal little paper drawings of him.
Abby had a deep fondness for reading her entire life. She visited the local library with her mom and brother weekly and took home stacks of books. She never tired of her favorite characters and could be found curled up reading a book more often than not. Reading took her through many difficult times toward the end of her life. Abby also loved music, which also acted as a support during difficult periods. She was never far from her playlists and enjoyed sharing her music, particularly with her mother, with whom she shared a love of ABBA and Stevie Nicks. In addition to books and music, Abby was drawn to other creative arts and spent many hours drawing and painting throughout the phases of her life. One of her favorite memories was "art lessons with Grandma" when her maternal grandmother, a former art teacher, would visit from New York. While in high school, Abby's artwork was chosen for a young artists show at the Crocker Art Museum, and as the winning submission for an anti-tobacco PR campaign. Friends and family knew Abby as the most generous gift-giver. She had a knack for finding just the right meaningful gift for each person and she delighted at giving to others and seeing how her gifts made people happy - from a perfect piece of jewelry for her grandmother to pieces of art she created or concert tickets for her mother's favorite artist to attend together.
Everyone knew how much Abby loved animals. Putting this passion to good use, she recently worked as a vet tech, where she assisted with the care of animals. Because of her hard work and the trust they placed in her, she was promoted quickly to supervisor, which made Abby and her family proud. Of all animals, cats held a special place in her heart. Her two cats, Ginger and Lucy gave her much comfort, love, and companionship.
Abby was passionate about nature and water in particular. She loved to swim, and she often walked by the American River to think and to take friends and family for picnics along its banks on special occasions. Some of her most treasured childhood memories were her yearly visits to the ocean with her Nana, Pop-Pop and brother, Evan. She looked forward to those visits, and exploring the cliffside tidepools and beach towns opened in her a love of the ocean, which she felt was her spiritual home. Abby often expressed her wonderful memories of the Thanksgivings she and her brother spent with their father at Bodega Bay, crab fishing, sitting around the fire singing, and enjoying time with family.
Abby will be greatly missed by everyone who loved her. She is predeceased by her father, Bryan Malone, and is survived by her loving mother Kara Miller; her younger brother, Evan, whom she loved and supported without end; her stepfather Trevor and step-siblings T and Declan; her maternal grandmother Susan Guinan; her Auntie Kate, Uncle Gus and cousin Jake; and her adored kitty, Lucy; as well as well as many cousins and treasured friends.
The family is hosting an open house at the Miller home to celebrate Abby’s memory on Thursday, May 16th from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
You are most welcome to leave a tribute below or a memory of your times with Abby on the story page.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Abby's name to one of the causes close to her heart; mental health awareness and the care of cats. Please click the links below if you wish to donate:
