Grace “Abbey” Caicedo

1923–2026

103 Years of Love, Laughter, and Beautiful Memories

Grace “Abbey” Caicedo was born in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1923. Throughout her extraordinary life, she called many places home, including Elmira, New York; Cherry Hill, Voorhees, and Medford, New Jersey; Dallas, Texas; Watertown, New York; and, ultimately, New Smyrna Beach, Florida, where she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her children, Claudia, Maurice, and Carla, and her grandson, Chad.

Abbey lived an extraordinary life that touched countless people. She was an independent, self-reliant, sophisticated woman who was unstoppable and always our leader. Well-read and well-traveled, she enjoyed the theater, opera, symphony, and live performances. As children, she would take us to New York City to see Broadway musicals, often enjoying a lovely dinner before or after the show. Those are memories we will cherish forever.

Born in Bogotá, Colombia, she was the second of five children born to Anibal and Eudocia Galindo. Her siblings were Lucila, Nelly, Stella, and her brother Anibal. At the tender age of 16, she traveled to the United States, eventually attending Elmira College in Elmira, New York, where she earned a degree in Business Administration. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Abbey was truly a pioneer woman!

In 1954, Graciela Galindo married Rodrigo Caicedo in Bogotá, Colombia. In 1958, they moved to the United States, where they proudly became American citizens.

Abbey worked for Campbell Soup Company for 25 years and happily accepted early retirement at the age of 62.

She was a devoted mother to Claudia, Maurice, and Carla, and nothing made her prouder than her grandchildren: Chad Deshayes, Grace Kuni, Kevin Kuni, Troy Caicedo, Stephanie Caicedo, and Isabella Caicedo.

Abbey embodied grace, sophistication, independence, and self-reliance. She also had a wonderfully fun spirit. She loved her red lipstick and hot red nail polish, enjoyed being perfectly dressed, and always had an eye for something special. She loved discovering hidden treasures and finding beauty in unexpected places.

After retirement, she took up oil painting and proved to be quite accomplished. Her artwork remains a lasting reflection of her talent, imagination, and the beauty she saw in the world. She also spent time exploring the places she had read about, traveling across several continents with her dear friend and former coworker, Helen Farrell.

Abbey witnessed a changing world while remaining our steadfast matriarch. From her beginnings in Colombia to her years in New Jersey and her final chapter in Florida, she created a legacy that will live on through the people she loved and the memories she leaves behind.

And, of course, Abbey wouldn’t be Abbey without a little sparkle! It was not uncommon to find her enjoying a Brandy Alexander or a glass of champagne in New Smyrna Beach. Or perhaps bellying up to the bar for sushi or a dozen raw oysters! Everyone knew her. She was a legend.

Although our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that Abbey spent her final moments exactly where she belonged: peacefully at home, surrounded by her children and loved ones.

Rest in peace, our beautiful Abbey. You will be loved, missed, and remembered always.