Patricia Caldwell Neish Abel, 84, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born August 6, 1941, in Forfar, Scotland, to Robert and Agnes Neish. She was raised in the highlands of Scotland, would often “climb/run” up Ben Nevis (the highest mountain in Scotland) and called a “wee champ” by her father. She attended and graduated from Lochaber High School, Dunfermline College of Physical Education, and received her master’s degree in early childhood education from Wheelock College. With her degrees, she dedicated her life to teaching and inspiring thousands of children, and when she saw a need would enlist the help of her friends whether to raise monies for sports equipment, or to collect art supplies for the migrant children of Immokalee, or obtain a grant for a small bike path for the daycare she worked at later in life.
Patricia and her husband moved to the United States in their early 20s, with “$200 and a trunk of items” to start a life here. They had two children, worked hard, proudly became naturalized United States citizens, and then experienced the American dream of owning their own home.
In retirement, she enjoyed reading, checking in with friends/family on Facetime, playing tennis, pickleball, and golf. She always enjoyed her crafts and was a talented painter.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Kenneth Abel; sister, Heather Symon; children, Tracy Zielinski (Joe) and Rob Abel (Christy); five grandchildren (Joshua, Jeffrey, Camden, Ainsley, and Addison); and one great-granddaughter (Olivia).
She will be fondly remembered for her friendship, artistic abilities, and deep care for her students.
In accordance with her wishes, there will not be a viewing or funeral: instead, an online Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a future date.
Condolences
Mrs. Abel was a wonderful person who always wanted the best out of her students and athletes over many years of teaching and coaching. She can still be heard yelling “encouragement” at track meets, field hockey games, and ice hockey games. I appreciated her kind words during conversations but also how high her expectations were about playing sports. She made us work harder with just that stare…she will be missed.
Dennis
Patricia has been a very special friend for over 50 years. We have shared laughter, tears, joy and sadness. We shared much, and respected eachothers secrets. She was a talented athlete, teacher and coach. I will miss her.
I remember Patricia when she lived in Vermont for a short time. I was often at her house for dinner and I remember very well. What a pleasure it was to be with her. She was a wonderful, loving, and giving person. She will be missed by many.
I fondly remember Patricia joining us at LKG meetings and whenever we were in need of baked goods, she was always there for us with her famous Scottish Shortbread. Oh my, that was delicious. She and Ken were so generous to build and paint a church replica we could use as an outdoor book exchange.
I was so saddened when I learned of Patricia’s passing. She was my neighbor and friend during the brief time she lived in Dover Vt. My condolences to her family and especially to her husband Ken.