Our Story

Abi loved the holidays. She loved the magic of lights - how they transformed ordinary spaces into something warm and full of possibility. It wasn't unusual to hear holiday music floating from her room as early as July.

On May 15, 2021, Abi died by suicide at the age of 19.

In the wake of unimaginable loss, her family sought a way to honor her life in a way that reflected who she was. Lighting up for the holidays became that act of remembrance.

What began as a tribute has grown into a community movement. Today, Keeping Spirits Bright invites neighbors, businesses, schools and organizations across Southeastern Connecticut to participate in something bigger than one story - a visible expression of care for those we've lost and those still here.

About Abi

Abi's Keeping Spirits Bright was created to celebrate the light and joy Abi brought into the world and to continue her legacy of compassion, courage, and connection.

Abi was born in El Paso, Texas, in 2001, to two active-duty service members. Her childhood was marked by challenges, including her parents' contentious divorce and custody battles. In navigating these hardships, Abi struggled with her mental health and turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Yet, even in her pain, Abi had an extraordinary ability to bring light to others. She worked at the Naik YMCA in Mystic as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and counselor for Camp Cove, creating safe and joyful spaces for children and families. After graduating from Stonington High School in 2019, Abi spent three months volunteering in Hanoi, Vietnam, at a school for children with special needs—an experience that reflected her deep compassion and desire to make a difference.

Abi loved the holiday season. For her, Christmas was more than a day—it was a feeling of warmth, wonder, and togetherness. You could hear the sounds of Christmas music floating from her room as early as June, and as a family, we would drive around to experience the magic of the lights. Those moments of joy and connection are what we hope to share through Abi’s Keeping Spirits Bright—because the light she carried deserves to keep shining.

Keeping Spirits Bright does not exist to define Abi by how she died, but to honor how she lived - and to extend that spirit of compassion outward.

Our Commitment

We are committed to:

• Honoring those lost to suicide with dignity and love

• Supporting suicide loss survivors, especially during the holidays

• Reducing stigma through visible community connection

This movement belongs to the community now. Every home that lights up carries its own story. Every name written is an act of remembrance.