Abigail “Abby” Garber, 14, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2026.

Abby was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on December 5, 2011, to John and Jennifer Garber. She attended Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School from preschool through eighth grade, graduating in May 2026. She was looking forward to beginning her freshman year at Bishop Dwenger High School this fall.

During her eighth-grade year, Abby became a member of Bishop Dwenger High School’s Summit Sound show choir alongside her sister, Grace. As the only eighth grader in the group, joining took tremendous courage. Over the course of the year, Abby grew immensely, pushing through her shyness, stepping onto the stage, and persevering even when it was difficult. She planned to continue with Summit Sound this year because, in Abby’s own words, she found it both “joyful” and “terrifying.” That was Abby—brave enough to do things even when they scared her.

Abby loved being creative and silly, especially with her sister, Grace. The two could often be found taking selfies, making TikToks, laughing, and finding their own innocent and creative ways to have fun together.

Abby was also a night owl. During summer breaks, many nights were spent staying up late together playing video games. She loved Animal Crossing, Mario Kart, and Zelda, and Yoshi was always her favorite character to play. Abby loved a challenge—and more often than not, she won. Those ordinary late-night moments have become some of our most treasured memories.

Affectionately known to us as “Abs, or Abba Dabba Doo” Abby had a wonderful imagination and a beautifully creative spirit. She could turn simple moments into something fun and memorable.

Many things did not come easily for Abby, but giving up was never who she was. Many people did not know that she had dyslexia. School often required more time and effort for Abby than it did for others, yet she continued to push forward. She was reading at grade level and even earned honor roll throughout her middle school years. She sometimes sacrificed extracurricular activities and worked on homework late into the night to keep up with her studies. We were—and always will be—so incredibly proud of her courage, perseverance, and dedication.

Abby had a wonderful love for animals. She dreamed of someday having a horse of her own and was about to begin taking riding lessons. Her two dogs, Max and Darby, meant the world to her, and she happily pet-sat for many neighbors in our community.

Abby had a heart of gold, and her kindness was noticed by everyone who knew her. She was a friend to all, had tremendous compassion for others, cheered for the underdog, and never wanted anyone to feel left out. If someone needed a place to sit at lunch, Abby would make room for them at her table.

Perhaps her compassion came, in part, from knowing what it felt like to sometimes struggle to find her own place. Abby sometimes felt different, but she also had a remarkable sense of who she was. She encouraged the people around her to be true to themselves rather than allowing themselves to be molded by what the “crowd” thought they should be. She understood at such a young age something that takes many people a lifetime to learn: being different was not something that needed to be hidden.

One of the things Abby will be remembered for most was her absolute love for children. She was excited to attend weekly Mass with her church buddy, Estrella, and especially loved their field trips to the park and the time they spent together.

Abby also frequently volunteered in kindergarten and was looking forward to having even more opportunities to help there during the coming school year. Most mornings, Abby would arrive at school, go to the gymnasium, find the preschoolers, and read to them before the bell rang. Afterward, she would walk them to their classroom and tell them to have a good day.

Walking through the halls of Saint Elizabeth, it wasn’t unusual to hear little voices calling, “Abby!” as children rushed toward her for a quick hug. They loved her, and she loved them right back.

Abby spoke openly about the challenges she had faced, but she also believed there could be purpose in them. She was considering becoming a teacher someday so she could help children who faced challenges like hers. More than anything, though, Abby dreamed of someday finding love and having a family of her own. We know she would have been an amazing mother.

It brings us comfort to picture her now surrounded by little ones in Heaven, making them smile just as she did here.

Abby’s faith in God was strong. She never wanted to miss Sunday Mass and often asked to go to confession. Her faith was something she took seriously, and she lived it in a way that made us incredibly proud. Abby was an example of what it meant to be a true Catholic. She was thoughtful and curious about her faith and often asked me questions about God and the Church that I didn’t always know how to answer. Her faith was her own, and it was genuine.

Family was incredibly important to Abby, and hers meant the world to her. We did just about everything together. In the far-too-short time we were given with her, Abby filled our family with laughter, creativity, compassion, courage, and an immeasurable amount of love.

She was, and always will be, one of our greatest blessings.

Abby is survived by her parents, John and Jennifer Garber; her sister, Grace Garber; her grandmothers, Brenda Routhier and Linda Minick; her aunts, Leilana Pressler, Merlene Minick, and Katherine Garber; and her uncle, Mark Minick.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Robert Minick and Ted Garber, and her uncles, Christopher Minick and Charles Garber.

Abby’s life was far too short, but the love she gave, the courage she showed, and the kindness she extended to others will live on in every person fortunate enough to have known her.

We love you, Abba Dabba Do. Always.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 10700 Aboite Center Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 with visitation one hour prior.  Visitation will also be held from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with a Rosary recited at 5:00 p.m. Burial will be at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne.