Norman Abbey

Norman Craig Abbey passed away at 88 on February 9, 2025, surrounded by his children and grandchildren. Words can hardly capture the depth of this remarkable man. Born November 6, 1936, in Pasadena, CA, to Frank and Bernice Abbey, Norman’s life was filled with creativity, intellect, and a profound love for his family. He excelled in drawing, painting, performing, athletics, and academics, always balancing his artistic pursuits with scholarly excellence. After attending Washington Junior High and Muir High School, he graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Art, where he was a proud member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity. 

At UCLA, Norman met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Lambert. After graduation, Norman moved to Karlsruhe, Germany, to teach art at the U.S. Army base. Pat moved over after she graduated and they married in Basel, Switzerland in 1961. They later moved to Paris, where Norman painted cubist cityscapes at La Place du Tertre by night while teaching by day. Their daughter, Karen, was born in 1962, and shortly after, they returned to the U.S. and settled in Altadena when Norman was offered a professorship at Pasadena City College (PCC). Beyond teaching, Norman’s career as an artist flourished. His work earned recognition, and a painting of his is in the permanent collection at the Cal. State Long Beach Museum. His creativity extended into the business world too, where he became a pioneer in graphic arts, founding one of the first professional graphic design firms. His clients included The Huntington Hospital, the LA Zoo, the Dodgers, MCA, African Travel, and many more. 

The Abbey family grew with the births of Craig in 1965 and Michael in 1971 and that's when the family moved to La Canada. Throughout his life, Norman inspired his family and friends with his boundless passion and curiosity. Above all, Norman was a devoted father, his love for his family unwavering. 

He was the quintessential world traveler, an avid tennis player, and a pioneer in the digital age, creating the first computer lab at PCC and mastering Photoshop before most had even heard of it. 

After Norman lost Pat in 2014, he met Sally Feathers. They spent 10 years traveling, appreciating art, laughing, and singing together. 

After Norman lost Pat in 2014, he met Sally Feathers. They spent 10 years traveling, appreciating art, laughing, and singing together. His wisdom, creativity, and adventurous spirit will live on in the hearts of his family and all who were fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of grace, humor, and kindness is reflected in the countless lives he touched as a beloved friend, teacher, mentor, and artist. We are forever grateful for the time we shared with Norman, and we take comfort in knowing his spirit will continue to inspire us. In his honor, we invite you to reflect on the joy, love, and creativity he brought into our lives. Norman is survived by his partner, Sally Feathers; his children, Karen, Craig & spouse Donna, Michael & spouse Jaret Christopher; his grandchildren, Eryn, Jacklyn, and Alder; his brother, Steve & spouse Cheryl, their children, and many dear cousins. 

Services honoring Norman Craig Abbey will be held on Tuesday, February 25th at 2:00pm Forest Lawn in Glendale: 1712 S Glendale Ave, Glendale, CA 91205. Visitation to pay respects and offer condolences will be held on Monday, February 24th from 11:00 am to 9:00pm also at Forest Lawn. A Celebration of Life commemorating the incredible life and many adventures of Norman Craig Abbey will be scheduled soon. We look forward to gathering together to honor and remember this remarkable man and share stories, laughter and love in true celebration of his legacy.