Abbey Kaufman was known for her unwavering support of a range of community organizations.
“She made sure her friends knew about them as well,” said Barbara Reiner, a close friend of Abbey’s. “And when she supported something, she did so wholeheartedly.”
Born Abbey Gwen Bookbinder in Brooklyn, NY, Abbey earned a master’s degree from Syracuse University. She then moved to Oakland, California, where she dedicated her time to working with troubled kids. Abbey eventually moved to Mendocino County where she lived and worked for many years as an advocate and educator supporting homeless and foster youth.
In 2016, Abbey moved to Port Townsend and quickly became an integral part of the community. She volunteered at the Port Townsend Marine Science Center (PTMSC), where she served as a greeter and a docent, volunteered for the auction and helped with mailings and other events.
Abbey also lent her talents to Centrum, the Wooden Boat Festival, and the Port Townsend Film Festival. During the COVID pandemic, she volunteered at the Jefferson Healthcare vaccination clinic.
Abbey’s deep love for PTMSC was recently highlighted when a friend shared a note accompanying a legacy gift Abbey had made to the organization. “It is with great pleasure that I make this donation on behalf of my dear departed friend, Abbey Kaufman. Her love of nature, animals, and her local community were values she realized in volunteering at the MSC. May her memory and her donation be a blessing.”
Scott Campbell, another of Abbey’s dear friends, shared his thoughts on Abbey’s commitment to the Science Center:
Upon retirement, Abbey was drawn to a life closer to the ocean. Her first visit to Port Townsend convinced her that this was where she wanted to live. Volunteer work became her new focus, and she discovered PTMSC early in that pursuit. PTMSC was one of many volunteer efforts, but it seemed to provide her a deeper connection to the overall Port Townsend community.
She relished guiding children to discovery as a docent in the aquarium, where Elenora (the giant Pacific octopus,) embodied all that is magical about our marine environment. She was rapturous about Elenora. Abbey was in a position to support the Center through her charitable contribution, an expression of her love and appreciation for this valuable community asset.
At PTMSC, we are heartened daily by the many volunteers and donors who support our mission to empower conservation for a thriving Salish Sea. It is because of people like Abbey that we can continue our work. Thank you!
Written by Tracy Thompson