Sandra Anne Hopper Abbott, 83, of Ormond Beach, FL, died at home on October 14, 2026. 

Sandy was born in Hackensack, New Jersey, on September 27, 1943, and grew up in Mahwah, NJ. In 1969, she moved to Daytona Beach, FL, where she worked as a switchboard operator at the Plaza Hotel and met her future husband, Jack. She worked as a telephone operator with Bell and AT&T until she retired in 1995 and was a longtime member of Telephone Pioneers of America. 

A cat lover, she raised, adopted, and loved many cats, most recently, Rocky and Toby from Halifax Humane Society. She supported animal welfare charities. She introduced and encouraged her daughters' love of the performing arts through a whirlwind of activities, including dance, piano, orchestra, chorus, Girl Scouts, flag corps, and many, many more. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Theresa Vermuelen, her biological father, George Riccardi, and her sister, Julia Bitzer, as well as many cousins and friends. She is survived by her husband, Jack D. Abbott, Jr., and daughters Lisa Abbott (Larry), Andrea Ray (David), and Jennie Toney (Russell), and grandchildren Julianna, David, Addison, Ava, and Maximus. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Halifax Humane Society, 2364 LPGA Blvd., Daytona Beach, FL 32124.