Shirley Jean (Abbott) Tomkievicz (1934 - 2019)

Born 16 Nov 1934 in Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Wife of Alexander William Tomkiewicz Jr — married 12 Sep 1964 in New York City, New York, United States

Died 8 Apr 2019 at age 84 in Portland, Multnomah, Oregon, United States

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Biography

Shirley (Abbott) Tomkievicz is Notable.

Shirley Jean Abbott stands as a notable figure due to her exceptional contributions to literature and her unyielding intellectual curiosity. From her early achievements as a valedictorian to her impactful role as an editor, writer, and historian, Abbott's literary prowess spanned a wide array of subjects, touching on history, family, societal norms, and more. Her memoirs, such as "Womenfolks" and "The Bookmaker’s Daughter," illuminate both personal experiences and broader themes, while her editorial work left an indelible mark on prestigious publications. As an award-winning author and a respected voice in Arkansas literature, Abbott's dedication to storytelling and her insights into human nature continue to inspire and resonate with readers.^[1][2][3]

Shirley Jean Abbott, born on November 16, 1934, in Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, was a remarkable figure whose life journey was marked by intellectual curiosity, literary accomplishments, and a deep sense of adventure. She was the daughter of Alfred Bemont Abbott and Velma (Loyd) Abbott, both of whom played significant roles in shaping her character and pursuits.^[1][2][3]

During her early years, Abbott lived in South Hot Springs, as evidenced by the 1940 census.^[4] Her educational journey began with her graduation as the class valedictorian from Hot Springs High School in 1952, setting the stage for her future academic achievements.^[1][2]

Abbott's thirst for knowledge led her to Texas State College for Women (now Texas Women's University), where she pursued majors in English and French. Her academic excellence was evident in her cum laude graduation in 1956. Her exceptional writing skills caught the attention of "Mademoiselle" magazine, earning her a place as one of twenty young women guest editors for their College Issue, a testament to her prowess as a writer.^[1][2][3]

After her college years, Abbott briefly worked as an editorial assistant for Henry Holt and Company in New York City from 1956 to 1957. She then embarked on a journey of further education and exploration, becoming a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Grenoble in France from 1957 to 1958. She also spent time at the Columbia University Graduate School of French, enhancing her linguistic and cultural knowledge.^[1][2][3]

Abbott's career as an editor, writer, and historian began in earnest in 1959 when she joined "Horizon" magazine as a fact checker. Her dedication and talent led to her appointment as the editor-in-chief of "Horizon" in 1973, a position she held until the magazine's closure three years later. Throughout her career, Abbott contributed articles to various prestigious publications, including Smithsonian, Gourmet, Harper’s, American Heritage, and more, showcasing her versatility and command over various subjects.^[1][2][3]

In 1964, Abbott married illustrator Alexander Tomkievicz, with whom she had two daughters, Katharine and Elizabeth. Their partnership brought love, support, and creative synergy into her life.^[5][6]

Abbott's literary contributions extended beyond articles. She published several impactful books, including "Womenfolks," a memoir chronicling the history of her mother's family and her parents' marriage; "The Bookmaker’s Daughter," a New York Times Notable Book, exploring her father's complex life and influence on her reading; and "Love’s Apprentice," which delved into societal expectations for young women and her own personal journey. Abbott's writing often drew from her own experiences, familial history, and societal insights.^[1][2][3]

Her significant contributions to Arkansas literature were recognized with awards such as the Arkansas Library Association's Arkansiana Award in 1985 and the Porter Prize in 2005. Abbott's influence also extended beyond Arkansas, as she was elected to the Arkansas's Writers Hall of Fame in 2008, a testament to her literary prowess and impact on a wider audience.^[1][2][3]

As a mentor, storyteller, and intellectual force, Abbott's legacy remained alive through her compassion, wit, and sense of adventure. In the last years of her life, she continued to embrace new experiences, purchasing a house in Portland, Oregon, to be close to her daughter's family. Sadly, Shirley Jean Abbott passed away on April 8, 2019, at her Portland home after a battle with cancer. Her indelible mark on the literary world and her enduring spirit will forever be remembered by those who knew her and appreciated her contributions.^{[1][2][3][7][8]}

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8} Compton, Ellen, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville., Encyclopedia of Arkansas, last updated on 16 Jun 2023. "Shirley Jean Abbott Tomkievicz (1934–2019)." Accessed 18 Aug 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8} Wikipedia contributors, "Shirley Abbott (author)," Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, '[1]." (accessed August 18, 2023).
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7} Newspaper Clipping, Daily Hampshire Gazette, 19 Apr 2019, Fri. - Page b2. "Shirley Abbott Tomkievicz." Accessed 18 Aug 2023.
4. ↑ 1940 United States Federal Census: Year: 1940; Census Place: South Hot Springs, Garland, Arkansas; Roll: m-t0627-00137; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 26-34 Ancestry Record 2442 #105332115
5. ↑ New York, New York, U.S., Marriage License Indexes, 1907-2018: New York City Municipal Archives; New York, New York; Borough: Manhattan Ancestry Record 61406 #904184013
6. ↑ Newspaper Clipping, Record-Journal, Meriden, Connecticut, 12 Sep 1964, Sat. - Page 3. "Abbott-Tomkievicz." Accessed 2023.
7. ↑ U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current: Publication Date: 23/ Apr/ 2019; Publication Place: Oregonian, OR, USA; URL: http://obits.oregonlive.com/obituaries/oregon/obituary.aspx?n=shirley-abbott-tomkievicz&pid=192571306 Ancestry Record 7545 #128354624
8. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/238678133/shirley-tomkievicz: accessed 18 August 2023), memorial page for Shirley Abbott Tomkievicz (1934–8 Apr 2019), Find A Grave: Memorial #238678133, citing Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Hot Springs, Garland County, Arkansas, USA; Maintained by P. V. Hays (contributor 46588659).

See Also

• Wikidata: Item Q20655550