Abigail was born on November 5, 1938, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She spent her summers in Leland, Michigan, where five generations of family gathered to hone their sailing skills and golf game – lifelong avocations for Abigail with trophies to celebrate her masteryofboth. Shewasgraduatedfrom Goucher College in 1960 and completed postgraduate studies in humanities and philosophy at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland. In addition, she was an adept student of the French language and was invited to study with Gaspard Weiss, who founded the Monterey Institute of Foreign Studies (today’s MIIS). Later, she pursued advanced studies of Teilhard de Chardin at l’Institut Catholique in Paris, France, and was a Charter Member of the “Phenomenon of Man” Project. Abigail was an active member of the Leelanau Historical Society (Leland, MI) and a lifetime member of The Great Books Foundation (Chicago, IL).

An innate educator and courageous champion of the pursuit of knowledge, Abigail wished to inspire wisdom, understanding and truth for all. She was a most generous listener and profound thinker. She appreciated the unique spirit in everyone she met, making each individual feel valued. Abigail relished the opportunity to share ideas, curiosity and joy, exploring questions about the cosmos and beyond.

Abigail’s career began in 1962 when she joined her parents who had retired to Pebble Beach. In the early 1960s, Abigail taught French at Robert Louis Stevenson School, Santa Catalina School, and The Menlo School (Atherton) as well as philosophy at Monterey Peninsula College. A decade later, Abigail expanded her teaching to include World Religions, Metaphysics, and Ethics & Logic at Santa Catalina School.

It was through her French language immersion that Abigail was introduced to Carmel’s European community at a gathering spot referred to as “The Happy Manor.” There, a charismatic Hungarian freedom fighter refugee, Dr. Béla Janko, was star-struck by the graceful and cultured Hoosier, forever drawn to the intrinsic freedom of Abigail’s open mind and inquisitive intellect. Their marriage was a devoted partnership for nearly 62 years, until Béla’s death in 2024.

Together, Abigail and Béla raised three children and were closely involved in the lives of their grandchildren. Describing her depth of organizational skills and breadth of creative talents, Abigail considered herself a “domestic engineer.” More than this title, it was her tireless devotion that fueled each task. Abigail served her family lovingly and without question.

Abigail extended this care as a humble leader in civic service. She was a member of the Humanities Committee of the Lyceum of the Monterey Peninsula (1965-7), held various leadership positions at Santa Catalina School (Lower School Admissions Director, Lower School Associate Director, Chair of the Academic Council, and member of the Board of Trustees), served as President of the Monterey Peninsula Community School of Music (1977-80), and was a valued member of the Board of Trustees of the Monterey Institute of International Studies (1995-2001). A natural fundraiser, brilliant negotiator, and exceptional consensus builder, she was instrumental in extending the once all-girls education at Santa Catalina’s Lower and Middle School to coeducation. Possessing an elegance with an underlying hint of eccentricity, Abigail wasatrailblazer. She could turn heads with her two-finger whistles that made many, especially her children, come running. She was a pioneer in environmentalism before “going green” was a concept. Collector extraordinaire, her “treasure sales” on the Monterey Peninsula were legendary.

An 11th-generation descendant of John Alden, Abigail’s longest-serving role in volunteerism was with the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America. Abigail enriched the lives of Colonial Dames and students across the country through her passion for education and civic dialogue. She joined the Massachusetts Society in 1961 and transferred to the California Society in 1980. She held a variety of regional and national positions (Vice-Chairman, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Monterey Peninsula Town Committee; California State Vice President; and National Consultant in Oral History & Historical Activities). She was recently recognized for 64+ years of commitment and leadership and was inducted into the NSCDA National Roll of Honor for DistinguishedService. Inherarticle“The Sounds of Youthful Voices” published in the Monterey Herald, Abigail wrote, “Hearken. Listen to young voices, and you will breathe the true spirit of freedom and democracy. Peaceful dialogue between all peoples and all ages is paramount to the preservation of society.”

Adventurous and charitable, Abigail and Béla explored the world, taking many friends on their travels and building bridges across cultures and languages. Abigail was a consummate host who enjoyed connecting people and matchmaking. She and Béla often extended invitations to those they met along the way to visit their glorious Mark Mills-designed hilltop home “Montabela” (in Carmel) or their magnificent lakeside retreat “Grandisle” (in Leland) -- extra seats at their expansive heart-of-the-home dining tables rarely remained empty!

What Abigail leaves in her seat at our worldly table are not only the responsibilities and impressive accolades, but also the moments which led to every notable accomplishment -- her gentle teaching by example, her deep love poured into each effort, and her courage to explore the unknown, all born out of her enduring faith and hope. It is this which remains.

Abigail was preceded in death by her parents, Isabelle and Franklin B. Mead; an older brother, Allen; her husband, Béla Janko; and a grandson, Alden Curtis Janko. She is survived by her three children, Julia (Brad) Wong, Isabelle (John) Murphy, and Alexander Janko (Laura Goodenow); four grandchildren, Georgiana, Matthew, George, and Alexa; a nephew, David Mead and a niece, Sarah Mead and numerous dear cousins.

The family thanks all friends who served Abigail in her last weeks, in particular, Connie Riley, Remy Diamsay Lynch, RN of Hospice of the Central Coast, along with all the Hospice caregivers, and Ileini Penaloza, RN (of Ileini’s Care, Inc.), who was by Abigail’s side with the family until the end.

A Requiem Mass will take place at 10 am, Friday, June 12, at Carmel Mission, 3080 RioRd, Carmel-By-The-Sea,CA.93921. Interment of ashes at Beechwood Cemetery in Leland, MI will take place at a later date. The family asks any memorial gifts be directed to Mount Angel Abbey at 1 Abbey Drive, Saint Benedict, Oregon 97373 or www.mountangelabbey.org/giving/makea- gift.