Urve Korre Abbott
11 Jul 1937
19 Sep 2025
After an incredible 88 years of living life to its fullest, Urve Korre Abbott passed away on September 19th, 2025, at The Village of Riverside Glen, Guelph with her children by her side.
Urve is survived by her husband of 65 years, Lewis William Abbott, her children William Harvey Abbott (Jennifer) and Mary Elisabeth Abbott (Kevin) and her grandchildren Liam (Audrey), Charlie, Hannah and Owen.
Urve was born in Parnu, Estonia on July 11, 1937. As the Russians advanced on Estonia her parents, Lydia and Henn Korre purchased a boat and escaped to Sweden in June, 1944. Urve was always one who loved to be sociable and thought it was amazing to be staying in a refugee camp where she was able to meet so many new friends. At age 9, in December 1946, her father decided to make a better life in Canada, and they moved to Sherbrooke, Quebec where she learned to speak English and French (her sixth and seventh languages). Urve then became the proud older sister of Peeter Korre who predeceased her in 2003. Urve attended Bishop’s University where she obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. While working at Hovey Manor in North Hately one summer she met Lew and they were married on June 25, 1960.
Urve woke up every day loving life and craving adventure! She devoted her career to supporting science students at the University of Guelph’s Chemistry Department, was a voracious reader and lover of music and art, travelled to every continent on the globe, played bridge with the same group of ladies from the University Women’s Club for nearly 60 years, donated countess hours to fulfilling her passion of cooking gourmet meals with friends to raise money for charity, all while having time to be an incredible wife, mother, grandmother and friend.
Arrangements entrusted to Grand River Cremation Service. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life shall take place on a date to be set this fall. In the interim, raise a glass of Pinot Grigio, play your favorite opera and do something kind to remember Urve.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Stepping Stone Charity in Guelph or The Canadian Opera Company would be greatly appreciated by the family. Condolences can be made online on Urve’s memorial page at www.GrandRiverCremation.com
My condolences to Lew, Will, Mary and all the family. I have so many fond memories of working with Urve in the Chemistry Dept, at UofG. So many times she was off on trips and I covered her labs, watered the plants and checked in on her mother and the dog. I also remember all the times she invited the staff over for drinks and dinner. My husband and I even joined her out at the cottage in the Eastern Townships one summer. Our kids also have memories of going out to the farm and picking the gooseberries. In exchange, I’d make them a pie. Pastry was the one food Urve never mastered. Whenever I am tackling a new or difficult recipe, you are in my mind, alongside my own mother and grandmother. Rest in peace Urve.
I’m saddened to hear of Mrs. Abbott’s passing. She was a much respected chemistry lab instructor during my time at the University of Guelph. She truly cared about her students and had an extraordinary gift for simplifying what for me, was a challenging course. I always knew she was an amazing lady, but have an even greater appreciation for her having read her background. Sincere condolences to the family.
Condolences to Lew, Will, Mary and family. Urve was a welcoming force when we moved onto the Nassagaweya Puslinch Townline. We have memories of her bringing the children to introduce them as babysitters. Their years as neighbours are remembered fondly.
Dear Mary & Family
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know that you’re in my thoughts during this difficult time and I send you my heartfelt sympathy.
Warmly,
April
My deep condolences to Urve’s family and those who lovingly experienced her caring, her wit, her directness and her love of tennis, hostessing, good food, good wine and good friends.
Sincere condolences to the family but especially to Lew after an exceptional lifetime partnership with an exceptional woman. The world seems dimmer without Urve’s bright light and immense kindness with us.
Urve and Lew have been part of our lives for about 50 years, providing many pleasant memories. We have enjoyed the Shaw and Stratford Theatre Festivals together on many occasions. Holidays have been spent at our cottage and the Abbott cottage many summers. We have travelled to several destinations in Canada and abroad, including a memorable barge river cruise in France in celebration of the 80th birthdays of five of us, including Urve and ourselves. We shall indeed miss Urve, and send our condolences to members of her family.
Boarding at the Abbott farmhouse with Lee, Urve, Will and Mary was magical. Urve’s sharing of her remarkable journey to Guelph from Estonia was fascinating and the interaction between two bright souls (Urve and Lee) a gift. I marvelled at Urve’s equal skills in teaching chemistry and preparing cuisine while I provided Lew with some up to date farming techniques. As it Happens was regular dinner fare – I still love CBC. What a pair, what a family. Kind regards to the Abbotts – Urve will live on in so many hearts.
Deepest sympathies to Lew and to all the family.
I have many fond memories of her and her family, as I had the honour of babysitting both children at a very young age .
Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.
A $50 donation has been made in Urve’s memory to the Stepping Stones Charity in Guelph.
-The partners & staff of Baker Tilly SNT LLP
Urve’s life was rich and full. She will be greatly missed by all those who crossed her path and whose lives she enriched.
My husband, Ramon, and I saw Urve and Lew socially over the years including one most memorable evening at their Time Share on the Algarve.
May the memories of all the happy days shared with your wonderful Urve light your days and ease the grief of your loss.
Our deepest sympathies to Lew and his family.
Colin and I have fond memories of Urve whom me met about twenty years ago. Urve and Lew stayed with us in London many times, which was always great fun. They invited us twice, together with family and friends, to a wonderful week at a manor house in Suffolk (Cavendish Hall). The last time we saw Urve was in October 2019 when she and Lew stayed with us for a few days before they went on a cruise of the River Rhine. We had no idea that it would be the last time we met. However, we are reminded of Urve every day because of a beautiful patchwork cover she made for the bed in our guest room. We’re very touched by this special present which is much admired by our family and friends.