"Aunt Jenn and family we are So sorry for the sudden and unexpected loss of Gabby. She will be greatly missed. Praying for everyone during this difficult time. We love you guys. Kelly Marcinczyk "
In loving memory of
Gabrielle Noa Abbate
September 27, 1980 - February 8, 2023
MAHWAH - GABRIELLE NOA ABBATE, loving mother of Zachary and her newborn twins, Isabella and Gianna, and devoted wife of Thomas Abbate, passed away tragically and unexpectedly on Wednesday, February 8, 2023, at home, just 13 days after the birth of the twins. She was 42 years old.
Born in Staten Island, NY, to George and Hilda (née Serrano) Noa, she resided in Sayreville before marrying and moving to Mahwah to start a new life in 2018.
She realized her childhood dream of becoming a professional ballerina and, indeed, was a prodigy, starting her ballet studies at age 8, and precociously starred as Clara in the New Jersey Ballet's production of "The Nutcracker" at age 11. She went on to further study at the Pennsylvania Ballet in Philadelphia before returning to the New Jersey Ballet to start her professional career at age 19, where she worked for 20 years and was a critically-acclaimed fixture in many of the company's productions ranging from Rodeo, to Death and the Maiden, Swan Lake, Giselle, Paquita, and many others across a broad repertoire. On the stage, Gabby was known for grace, precision and technical skill that was equally balanced by sheer athleticism mixed with a charismatic stage presence that always drew a connection with the audience. But what was always most important to Gabby were her starring roles as the Dew Drop Fairy and the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker. As she put it, "every night I went on stage, I gave it 100% because there could be a little girl out there in the audience seeing this show for the first time, who could be inspired by this performance into a love of the ballet." As it was her guiding principle as a performer through her whole career, she had truly left nothing on the table when she retired from performance in 2019 to take on a role as a repertory coach with the company.
Equally matched by her intensity on the stage was Gabby's devotion to her students as a dance teacher at the companion New Jersey School of Ballet. Known as a demanding and, in fact, uncompromising instructor who insisted upon perfection from her students, behind that tough exterior was a nurturing teacher who wanted nothing more than to see her students succeed in meeting the highest professional standards. She took pride in each and every one of their successes, was there to coach them with corrections in their setbacks, and through it all took great joy in maintaining and renewing those relationships with her students as they moved on through life. She leaves behind scores of professionals and students alike who encountered her throughout her many years in the ballet world.
Owing to the intensity of a life lived out on the stage, in her leisure time, Gabby never found a beach she didn't like, a glass of red wine that didn't resonate with her, or a streaming television series that wasn't worth binge watching. But above all, nothing in the world was more important to Gabby than spending time with her friends and family, and there was nothing she wouldn't do for them. Her loving parents, her siblings and their extended families including her countless nieces and nephews were the focus of her life. She dearly loved her son, Zachary, and was a doting mother who tempered her high expectations for him with a tender maternal approach.
Surviving are her husband, Thomas A. Abbate, of Mahwah, together with her son, Zachary Noa Pierson, her stepsons, Nicholas Abbate and Christopher Abbate, and her newborn twin daughters, Isabella Rose Abbate and Gianna Grace Abbate; her parents, George and Hilda Noa of Sayreville; her brothers, George Noa of Staten Island, NY, Anthony Noa of South River, Gregory Noa and his wife, Kotoe Noa, of Monroe Township, and her sister, Jennifer Marcinczyk and her husband, Matt Marcinczyk of South River.
Family and friends may visit on Sunday, February 12, 2023, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, at The BRUNSWICK MEMORIAL HOME, 454 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 13th, at 9:15 am, at the funeral home, with a 10:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at Our Ladies of Victories R.C. Church, Sayreville, followed by interment at Holy Cross Burial Park, South Brunswick. For directions, please visit our "Services" page.
Memorial contributions can be made in honor of Gabby to the professional home where she made her life's work, the New Jersey Ballet, a 501(c)(3) performing arts organization, at https://www.njballet.org/gabrielle-noa-abbate With thanks to the company, the Gabrielle Noa Abbate Scholarship Fund has been formed to support emerging dancers at New Jersey Ballet who demonstrate dedication, passion and potential, as well as a demonstrated need for financial assistance in their studies.
Tributes
"I am so sad to know Ms. Gabby passss away so suddenly. She was my girls?s first ballet teacher 18 years ago and continued to them for many years. Giselle and Camille have come good dancers and enjoyed dancing with her on stage. We will miss her very much. Her kindness and gracefulness will be remembered. You are in our prayers. May God bring peace and comfort to you in this difficult times. "
"My thoughts and prayers are with Zach and his family. Mr. Kayal"
"With our deepest sympathies Susan, Andy, Cecilia and Agnes Carlowicz "
"George and family, so sorry for your loss. May the memories of her carry you through your sadness. Ed Hughes ?"
"I am so shocked and saddened to hear of Gabby?s passing. My condolences to the family in this unimaginable and terribly heartbreaking loss. My wife, Barbara and I watched Gabby?s performances with NJB for many years. When Gabby was on stage you had the assurance, she would ? nail it? every time with her fine technique. Her love of dance radiated from her with every performance and role. I remember my last conversation with her outside the school in the parking lot shortly before she gave birth to her twins. I?ll remember her that way-happy and beaming with that glow only motherhood can give. My prayers will be with her family. Peter DiBonaventura"
"So Sad. Gabby is filled with joy and life. During Covid, her zoom classes have accompanied me throughout the whole season. I feel like I get connected with her thru the weekly zoom from her living room to mine dancing. She often told me when I do the turn to make double full turns, she told the trick- remember to say "Gabby Gabby" when you turn. Now, every time when I do piroette, I will remember "Gabby Gabby".
Oh, What a beautiful life lived, heart so dearly loved. Father in Heaven, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, I pray lifting her soul to you asking you to receive her beautiful soul into your palms. Pray for your hands for her hubby and kids - watch over them and take care of them under your WIngs of GOd Most High. Saturate them with your comfort, love, and peace during this very very difficult time. Father, we lift this family to you. Thank you. In Jesus Most Powerful, loving and Holy Name. Amen.
Gabby - we LOVE YOU. Miss you so dearly. Miss dancing thru zoom with you ... dearly "
"Me and my mother just got the horrible news. We are so broken hearted about Gabbie. All the Peace and Love in the world to suck a beautiful mother. Never forgotten forever loved - Rob and Maria Pagano "
"When I first started taking class at NJB in Somerville, I remember that little 10 year old, in the class before my class. You could see immediately that she would be a professional ballerina! I saw her become a teen and then a beautiful woman! I loved when she taught class and always kidded her that I would have to "Gabbify" my feet because she really worked them!! We kept in touch on Facebook and I followed her recent journey to motherhood! My deepest condolences to the Abbate and Noa families!!"
"My shock and heartbreak as I read the FB post by Rosemary Sabovick Bleich can certainly not compare to the shock and unfathomable grief that must be felt by Gabby's family and friends as well as the whole dance community. Though I did not know her well, I was privileged to have her (and other company members) in my adult class from time to time. What a joy to watch her dance, whether working toward perfection in class or watching her on stage in the various roles she took on as a professional. I remember her as Clara so many years ago, how impressed I was! I cannot even find the words - her closest friends and family have done such an eloquent job at it. I pray that our Lord will wrap Gabby's family and friends in His love and peace and give them the strength to heal from this tragedy. May Gabby's passing bring everyone closer togerther and strengthen the love that binds her family."
"Gabby inspired me when I was a young dancer. I watched her as Clara as I was an angel. She was a beautiful performer. ?"
"You left for Heaven too young, leaving your children behind . Young, beautiful, talented ballerina, wife, daughter, sister, friend. You were giving your light and love to so many people. My sincere condolences to the family I will keep forever memory of you in my heart. With love, Marina?????????"
"I first learned of Gabrielle?s passing from a heart wrenching FB notice posted yesterday by her mentor, Rosemary Sabovick Bleich. It is devastating that a young mom could pass in the night, leaving her babies, husband and family in shock. I pray that the bond that holds you together will support your family in all the years ahead as you honor her memory. God bless you and keep you."
"The Barrows family send our heartfelt condolences to the entire family. We are so profoundly sorry for the loss of your beautiful sister. Love and prayers to Jenn and the family. "
"My heartfelt condolences to the Noa and Abbate family, friends, and everyone in the New Jersey Ballet/New Jersey School of Ballet community. "Miss Gabby" was an exemplary ballerina, coach, and teacher. I had the privilege for two years throughout the pandemic of taking Zoom class with Miss Gabby. She possessed an extraordinary ability to communicate the technique and artistry of ballet for students at all levels of ballet experience. Miss Gabby's use of teaching through analogy and mental imagery, along with her joyful exuberance for life and dance, encouraged us to see dance through the prism of a lifelong passion and love for the tradition of dance and the freedom of movement as self-expression. Her brilliant smile as she danced with us from her basement studio gave joyous hope to us as we suffered the effects of the pandemic from the walls of our own homes. There are no words which can adequately console from the loss of one so gifted, so beautiful, and so full of life. I can only think of a phrase from Ecclesiastes: "A time to mourn and a time to dance." The loss of Miss Gabby to her family, friends, and the dance community will leave a cavern in our minds and souls. However, as we someday dance again, Miss Gabby will forever dance with us in our hearts. With deepest sympathy, from Gaileen Ceravolo (NJSB Zoom class student)"
"Although I do not know Gabrielle or the family I wanted to offer my prayerful condolences on such a great loss so unexpectedly! God grant Gabrielle Eternal rest in God's Light and Love. May your Faith sustain you during these most difficult times. "