Plan for the Future
Abigail Mae Rollenhagen passed into eternal rest July 7, 2023. A resident of New York City, Abigail is survived by her parents, Kristoph J. Rollenhagen of Randolph, NJ and Elizabeth Griffin Rollenhagen of New Providence, NJ. She leaves behind many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and her beloved grandfathers, Jack “Bop” Griffin of Chatham, NJ and Frederick “Pops” Rollenhagen, Jr. of Orwell, Vt. Abigail was a 2011 graduate of the Oak Knoll School in Summit, NJ. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at High Point University and her dual Master’s Degree in Childhood and Special Education at New York University. At the time of her passing she was employed as an academic administrator and teacher at Promise Academy at Harlem Children’s Zone.
A wake will be held Wednesday, July 12 at The Bradley Funeral Home in Chatham, NJ from 4:00-8:00. Mass will be held on Thursday, July 13 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church at 11:00. Attire as per Abigail’s wishes: summer colors (no black!). Interment will be private. Donations in honor of Abigail’s life may be made to The Oak Knoll School in Summit, NJ or Harlem Children’s Zone, Attn: Jenn Klein, 35 East 125th Street, NY, NY 10035.
Born April 27, 1993 in Summit, NJ, Abigail abides in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know her. Beloved by cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents and by her many friends, Abigail was at the center of any gathering. She was the light in the room, the energy, the mirth, the good will and the fun. If there was a joke to be told, she was telling it. If there was a song to be sung or a dance to be danced, she was taking the lead. When there were family gatherings, cousins wanted to know if Abigail would be there to add her effervescence and her joy.
Abigail waged her yearlong battle with cancer fearlessly and often in remarkably good humor. Even in the final months she managed to attend Phantom of the Opera with her father, Kris, and travel with her mother, Liz, to Amsterdam for her 30th birthday. In June she attended a family birthday outing, then at the end of the month attended a rooftop celebration in Brooklyn. Even in the week of her passing she was looking ahead to being with friends. Had God in his mercy not come calling the morning of July 7, Abigail would have made it her highest priority to join her friends for the weekend in Montauk. The beating heart of her parents’ lives, Abigail leaves behind a legacy of grace, loyalty, and boundless love.
