DAVETTE ABKOWITZ Obituary

ABKOWITZ, Davette E. Davette Abkowitz (Eisenstein) on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Aged 100, of Lexington, Massachusetts. Beloved wife of the late Martin A. Abkowitz; Loving mother of Janis Abkowitz (Richard Miller), Mark Abkowitz (Susan) and Suzanne Abkowitz Crawford (Glen); devoted grandmother of Alyssa, Jeslyn, Kendra, Evan, Emily, Jason, Neil and Matthew. Proud great-grandmother of Riley, Harper, Josephine, Sierra, James, Luke, Haley, Madeleine, Connor and Ava. Davette was born in New Jersey and moved to Washington, DC during her teenage years. She attended George Washington University, receiving a bachelor's degree in chemistry. Following graduation, she worked at the David Taylor Model Basin, one of few women at the time serving in a technical position at a scientific organization. It was there that she met her future husband, Martin. The couple moved to the Boston area shortly after getting married, settling first in Watertown, then in Lexington, Massachusetts, where she lived for the remainder of her life. After raising her three children through their formative years, Davette earned her graduate degree in Education and began a career, first as a high school mathematics teacher and later as a researcher designing an experimental-based physics curriculum for high school students. Davette will be remembered for her legacy as the matriarch of the Abkowitz family that spanned four generations. She led by example, teaching us how to live a good life and taking an interest in others. She particularly enjoyed international travel, including when living with our family during Martin's academic sabbaticals in the Netherlands, Denmark, France, Israel and Singapore; the many family gatherings and each two-year weeklong reunions; and staying abreast of current events. She was insightful, adventuresome, and was always there for us. A private family Graveside Funeral will be held at Sharon Memorial Park. Shiva will be observed on Friday, December 13 from 3-5pm at the Brookhaven retirement community, Learning Center, 1010 Waltham Street in Lexington, MA and on Saturday from 5-7 pm and Sunday from 3-5 pm at the home of Suzanne and Glen Crawford. Contributions in Davette's memory may be made to an organization that is meaningful to you in her honor.