Abigail Riley Hastings' Obituary
We announce the death of Abby, who passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on June 28, 2025, at the age of 50.
Abby was the sunshine of so many lives.
The light of her life was her son, Andrew James Riley Hastings.
The love of her life was her husband, Cory Hastings.
She was adored and loved by her mother, Ann Gorham Riley.
She was cherished by her sisters Deirdre Ann Merrill and Mary Riley, who laughed endlessly with her.
Her nephew, Alexander Merrill and her niece, Delaney Mason, to whom she was also Fairy Godmother, brought her endless joy.
Abby had many devoted, close friends of all ages who became family to her, shaped her life and helped to define who she became and how she lived her amazing life.
Abby grew up in Milton, Massachusetts. She graduated from Noble and Greenough School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
She was an accomplished student and athlete, but most notably, wherever Abby was, she is remembered as a friend.
After graduation, she moved to Maryland, where she and Cory spent the first years of their marriage.
Their family became complete when Andy was born, joining them and their pup, Bailey, and they moved into their life in Virginia.
Never have there been luckier goodgirls than Scouty and Mika, the furfamily additions who joined along the way and enjoyed the lavish doggy devotion showered on them by Abby.
Abby was a ferocious advocate for equality and human rights; an ally for LGBTQ people, an advocate for choice, and a feminist -a support for anyone, anywhere who needed a voice and had nowhere else to turn.
Her generosity to strangers in need was eclipsed only by her generosity to those she knew and loved.
A memorial service will be held on July 26, 2025
From: 1:00-4:00 PM
At: Clyde’s Willow Creek Farm in Broadlands, Virginia
Friends and family will be invited to gather and celebrate Abby’s generous and inspirational life.
We remember Abby for her outrageously compassionate spirit, her crazy humor, her contagious laugh, her knack for storytelling, her deep intelligence and the inspiration she leaves in all of us to live better lives.
Please dress comfortably and casually, in cheerful colors, prepare to meet old friends, make new friends, share your best Abby stories, your laughs and your most heartwarming Abby-memories with each other.
This is Abby’s legacy, and exactly how she will want us to spend the time together!
She will be deeply missed but wants us to remember that there are laughs to be had and work to do for those who need us most.
Rest in Peace, Abby - you will be forever cherished and remembered.
Until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, Abby would be grateful to know that you have donated to your local animal shelter.
What’s your fondest memory of Abigail?
What’s a lesson you learned from Abigail?
Share a story where Abigail's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Abigail you’ll never forget.
How did Abigail make you smile?