Abigail Rose Whitford

Even as a baby, Abigail Rose Whitford always had a twinkle in her bright blue eyes. Her parents had to keep a close eye on her because she was fearless enough to try anything—like nearly testing a socket with the car keys, or seeing what happened when you pour milk down a floor vent. She got up to plenty of mischief but was becoming a mature, responsible young lady. Abby lived her too-brief life with joy, fully present in everything she did.

Abby loved attending school at Trumble Park Elementary in Papillion. She was incredibly smart and enjoyed reading, art, and math.

Time was not Abby’s concern when there was fun to be had and friends to be made. She made friends easily and everywhere she went since she could chat with anyone. Even her little brother recognized how special she was—he wanted to marry her “because she’s the best girl I know”. She was artistic and loved to draw, craft, dance and sing. And Abby’s vivid imagination kept her busy making up games, and playing with dolls and her endless stuffed animals.

She had an unmatched sense of style—her confidence could pull off anything! Abby was a princess with scrapes on her knees and mud on her hands. Her long legs made her a great athlete—she loved swimming and had just learned to dive. And she loved practicing Tang Soo Do with her brothers, even staying back a level so she could continue training with her little brother.

Abby found delight in life’s everyday moments, like picking apples on walks through the neighborhood, cuddling during movies, playing cards with her family, and finding a goofy photo opportunity in every situation—she was such a poser!

Abigail was welcomed into her heavenly home by great-grandparents Harold “Jake” and Leola Baker; Mildred Reinig; Floyd and Faye Neal; Floyd, Jewel, and Clara Whitford; and great-uncles Bob Gaeta and Wendell Whitford.

Family living on to honor Abby’s memory include her mother Sarah Whitford (née Baker), father Paul Whitford, brothers Connor and Benjamin; grandparents Douglas and Mary Baker, and Clark and Elizabeth “Ebby” Whitford; many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family. She will also be remembered by countless friends, teachers, and classmates.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the Whitford family (for charitable distribution to be decided).

Abby inspires her family and friends every day to be kind, brave, and confident because she was unapologetically herself—never vain, never insecure. And incredibly giving.

Death could not stop her spirit or generosity. Following Jesus’ teachings of profound selflessness, Abby donated her organs to those in need with the help of the Children’s Hospital and Medical Center of Omaha and of her Live On Nebraska donation team. In becoming an Angel she has also became a Hero. While her family and friends are heartbroken at losing her, they hope to find comfort knowing that Abby’s spark, sassiness, and spirit will Live On in others through each of her donations.

From the day Abby was born, her story was woven into each of our own. And though her thread feels unfinished, her legacy of joy, courage, and love lives on through each of us and her lucky recipients. Her story continues because we tell it.

To register as an organ and tissue donor in memory of Abby, visit LiveOnNebraska.org or your local donation registry.