Abigail “Abby” Wilson died peacefully on November 9, 2026, at the Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan.
Abby is survived by her two sons, David Reynolds Wilson and his wife, Denise, of Chelsea, Michigan, and Andrew Ross “Drew” Wilson of Lugano, Switzerland; four grandchildren, Merle, Veronica, Sofia, and Diana; and her brother, Angus McLean Brown Jr., and sister-in-law, Jean Brown, of Houston, Texas.
Born on May 8, 1940, in Utica, New York, Abby attended high school in Syracuse and graduated from McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Later in life, she pursued a second career, earning a Master of Divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California.
In 1962, Abby married John Mark Wilson. Together they raised their two sons, David and Andrew. Their marriage ended in 1982.
Teaching and learning were lifelong passions for Abby. Whether teaching the Lamaze method of childbirth preparation, working in public education, or serving in pastoral ministry, she found great satisfaction in sharing knowledge and helping others discover new ideas. This passion continued into retirement through her involvement with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Michigan, where she developed and led more than 18 different courses.
Abby’s pastoral career included serving as Associate Pastor at Richmond Beach Congregational Church in Seattle, Washington (1987). She subsequently served as Senior Pastor at West Adrian United Church of Christ in Adrian, Michigan (1988–1990), and Northeast United Church of Christ in Lincoln, Nebraska (1990–1994).
Abby had a remarkable gift for conversation. Naturally curious and open-minded, she enjoyed exploring different perspectives and considering points of view other than her own. For Abby, a good conversation wasn’t necessarily about reaching agreement, but about gaining a better understanding of one another. Whether with an old friend or someone she had just met, she could find something interesting to talk about with almost anyone.
Abby’s curiosity extended beyond the classroom and into her retirement years. She enjoyed traveling, including trips to Costa Rica, Alaska, and throughout the United States. She also developed a love of watercolor painting, which she pursued with dedication. Her paintings and handmade cards, frequently shared with friends and family, became a personal expression of her creativity and thoughtfulness.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a charity of the donor’s choice.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Towne Center & Chapel at Towsley Village on Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
