From a young age, Abbey knew exactly who she was.
Hours spent in her art room drawing, painting, sculpting, and bringing her ideas to life revealed a creativity that was uniquely her own.
It was her “happy place.” There, her instinct to create spoke to something deeper than talent alone: a way of moving through the world with intention.
“Art was the foundation of Abbey’s being, and everything she touched reflected her artistic view.”
— The Maguire Family
As she grew older, Abbey’s gifts flourished. During her undergraduate studies in architecture, she developed a keen eye for style and design, setting her sights on a master’s degree at the University of British Columbia. Driven by a fiercely determined heart and mind, she earned scholarships along the way and ultimately saw that dream through.
But what made Abbey truly special extended far beyond her many accomplishments. Thoughtful, authentic, and deeply kind, she had a rare gift for making people feel seen and valued. Raised in a close-knit family and sharing a particularly special bond with her brother, Abbey invested deeply in the lives of the people she loved. The many meaningful friendships she cultivated were a true testament to the person she was.
“Many people considered her their best friend.”
Perhaps nowhere did Abbey’s gift for bringing people together shine more brightly than during the holidays. With the Maguire home long serving as the gathering place for family celebrations, some of their fondest memories are of Abbey cooking alongside her beloved Nonna, preparing Italian favourites like calamari, mussels, and of course, homemade tiramisu for dessert.
Abbey understood that some of life’s most cherished moments happen around the dinner table.
But for Abbey, the meal was only part of the experience. When it came time to gather around the table, Abbey thrived on artistic table arrangements. From flickering candles to vibrant florals and handwritten place cards, Abbey paid attention to the details that invited people in and kept them lingering long after dessert.
“Her artistry made the holiday table settings look like they were from a magazine cover.”
Surrounded with love
At just 26 years old, Abbey was diagnosed with cancer.
The news brought heartbreak to her family, friends, and the many people whose lives she had touched with her kindness. Her life was filled with so much promise.
Abbey arrived at Carpenter Hospice one year later. Her stay was brief, lasting just less than a week. Yet in those final days, she was surrounded by the people who mattered most. Family and friends gathered at her bedside, sharing stories, laughter, tears, and heartfelt memories. Her room was never empty, a reflection of just how deeply she had impacted the lives of others.
With the support of our compassionate hospice team, her loved ones were relieved of the responsibilities of caregiving. Her parents, brother, and friends could simply be present, sharing deeply meaningful moments with Abbey in her final days.
“Most importantly, Abbey felt comfortable and supported.”
Support when you need it most
Hospice care creates a place that feels like home, focused on comfort, dignity, and helping each person live as fully and meaningfully as possible when a cure is no longer possible.
Just as it was for Abbey, our kitchen stands as the heart of our home. Around the kitchen counter, families gather to share food, finding nourishment, belonging, and comfort during an incredibly challenging time. The familiar rhythm of everyday life helps create warmth and normalcy.
Abbey’s legacy lives on at Carpenter Hospice, where her values of compassion, warmth, and togetherness shape the care we provide every day.
This autumn, we invite you to support Carpenter Hospice so that every family can find comfort, connection, and care when it matters most.
Thank you for being part of this caring community.
