Abigail Thomas

Abigail "Abbi" Autumn Thomas of Waseca ended her many years battle with renal failure on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at the young age of 31.              Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 12th at 2:00 P.M. at McRaith Funeral Home & Crematory in Waseca.  Interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Abbi was born on November 29, 1980, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Frank and Wendy (Finsterwalder) Busby of Janesville, Minnesota, and Kathi and Steve Mudd of Littleton, Colorado. Abbi was a granddaughter, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, and most of all a friend to everyone she met. She loved the water and Clear Lake became a meaningful and tranquil place for her. Abbi put hundreds of miles walking, biking, and swimming at and around Clear Lake. Talking and listening to family and friends was always the highlight of her day. Abbi was an inspiration and admired by all that knew her. Abbi was a truly compassionate, loving and unique individual who was admired by all and left an impact on everyone she encountered. Her spunk and curiosity brought life even to her most difficult days. Abbi would not have wanted to be remembered for the fact that she was sick; but rather for her love for life and her ability to see beyond her sickness. She lived each day to its fullest. She was a true inspiration. Her energy and vibrancy was contagious and touched all who knew her. She had an incredibly forgiving spirit. Abbi was strong in her faith. She gave her heart to Jesus nine years ago and had an unconquerable faith that only grew stronger rather than weaker, in the face of profound suffering. Abbi always strived to make life special and memorable for those around her, especially for those in need. Many of her jobs through the years involved being a Care Giver to those with special needs. Abbi's family was her most prized possession, and she would spend every moment and every day with them if she could. It was always Abbi's dream to live near her family, and this finally came true for her two years ago. Although she did not have any children of her own, Abbi adored her nieces and nephews and poured herself into spending special time with them. Every week she took time to spend with one or more of them at the lake, doing a make-over, having a sleep-over, shopping, movies or anything else that would make them feel special. Abbi, with all of her passion, brightness and energy, has left an unforgettable mark on all of our hearts.   Quote "You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes love and go on." -David Harkins