MANCHESTER, NH – Abigail B. Gemme, 51, of Manchester, NH, died February 22, 2026, following a sudden illness.
Born in Bridgeport, CT on June 6, 1974, she was the daughter of the late Francis Gemme and David and Leila (Boyle) Gemme Connor. Raised in Manchester, she was a proud graduate of Manchester High School Central, Class of 1992, where her academic excellence and leadership as a class officer foreshadowed a life devoted to scholarship and service. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in History from Drew University in 1996 and later received her master’s degree from University of New Hampshire in 2008.
Abigail began her teaching career at Manchester High School West in 2000 before returning in 2002 to her alma mater, Manchester High School Central, where she left an indelible mark. For more than two decades, she devoted her intellect, energy, and heart to her students. An English teacher by profession, she was a mentor and steadfast advocate.
She served as senior class adviser, track and cross-country coach, unified basketball coach, yearbook adviser, and a dedicated member of the Central Pride Foundation. She believed education extended beyond the classroom and could be found wherever students gathered, offering encouragement and guidance. In 2024, her dedication was recognized with a nomination for New Hampshire Teacher of the Year, affirming what her students and colleagues long knew: that teaching was her vocation.
Abigail demonstrated a genuine concern for her students. She listened carefully, challenged them thoughtfully, and celebrated their successes as her own. She fostered not only academic growth but confidence and resilience. The respect and affection her students held for her remain among her greatest legacies.
She was also a member of the American Civil Liberties Union, reflecting her commitment to fairness and civic responsibility.
She was a devoted dog mom to Timmy and Tripper, who were a constant source of joy and an important part of her life. Family was central to Abigail’s life. She cherished her role as sister and aunt and took pride in the accomplishments of those she loved. She is survived by her brother, Michael Gemme of Winthrop, MA; her sister, Ellen Gemme and her husband, Christopher Simpkins; her beloved nieces and nephews, Connor Simpkins, Kate Simpkins, and Liam Simpkins; her stepbrothers, David Connor and Michael Connor, both of Manchester; her stepsisters, Christine Connor of Newmarket, MD and Susan Bossie of Montrose, VA; several stepnieces and stepnephews; and many cherished friends and colleagues. She was predeceased by her sister-in-law, Lola Gemme of Playa del Rey, CA.
Abigail’s life was defined by generosity of spirit and an unwavering belief in the promise of others. Through the students she inspired and the community she strengthened, her influence will endure.
Services: Calling hours are Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 3 to 6 PM at Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union Street, Manchester, NH.
The funeral will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 AM in St. Catherine of Siena Church, 207 Hemlock Street, Manchester, NH.
Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford, NH.
Memorial donations may be made to the Central Pride Foundation, P.O. Box 4045, Manchester, NH 03108 or online at https://linktr.ee/centralpridefoundation.
A tribute show in Abigail’s honor will air Friday at 8 PM EST on WMNH radio. The program may be heard live worldwide at https://www.wmnhradio.org/listen-live.