Dea Abramschmitt

Dea Abramschmitt, my mother, a radiant spirit full of laughter, music, and boundless curiosity, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love, adventure, and joy. Born on July 28, 1949, in Schenectady, New York, to Jim and Georgiana, mom eventually made Florida her home, where the sun filled her soul with joy and the beach became her sanctuary.

Mom lived life as an endless dance — quite literally. She loved dancing and singing, often breaking into spontaneous song or getting groovy to a rhythm only she could hear. Her silliness and playfulness were legendary among those lucky enough to know her. Whether it was fancy hats for tea time with her friends, doting on her beloved cats, giving all her friends a playful nickname (mine was boogie bear) or using language that could make a sailor blush, she had a magical way of making an ordinary moment feel extraordinary.

Professionally, mom served with distinction as an appellate attorney for the State of Florida. Her sharp intellect and unwavering sense of justice made her a tireless advocate and a respected member of the legal community. But her path was never linear — she had many jobs throughout her life and followed her curiosity wherever it led.

A true adventurer at heart, mom traveled the world and even lived for a time in Ecuador. Her stories were as rich as her laughter, and her life was a tapestry woven with color, culture, and courage.

Above all else, mom’s heart belonged to her family — especially her grandchildren, whom she lovingly called her nietos. They were her world, her pride, her absolute joy. Caleb, Lily, and Holly knew her as their “Yes Grandma” — a name that perfectly captured her mischievous spirit and unconditional love. She never missed an opportunity to celebrate them, support them, or shower them with affection. Her adoration for them was total and complete.

She was a mother of two children, James Abrams and myself, Jessica Kafer. She is also survived by her brother Timothy Abrams. She was preceded in death by her siblings Christy Buckingham, Jeffrey Abrams, and Marty Abrams, whom she loved dearly and now rejoins in peace.

Mom was not only a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend — she was a bright star. She lived fully, laughed freely, and loved fiercely. Her kindness, her curiosity, and her endless capacity for joy touched so many lives.

Her memory will live on in the songs she sang, the waves she loved, the cats she cuddled, and the countless hearts she touched.

In her honor, I ask that you take a moment to do something joyful today: sip your favorite tea with friends, laugh too loudly, snuggle your pets, or say “yes” just a little more often. That’s how my amazing mom lived — and how she’d want to be remembered.

Forever our Yes Grandma. Fly free dear friend, dear mommy.

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.