Abby Lee (Nielsen) Tuma

Am on demand recording of Abby's service is available by clicking here or at https://boxcast.tv/channel/nufv2oo7utkh9iwiqyac?b=dvrd8emhg6oyftctnhws. 

Abby Lee (Nielsen) Tuma, born on April 26, 1993, joined family in heaven on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, following a courageous battle against breast cancer. Abby was surrounded by her family at the time she passed and we are grateful we had a chance to say our goodbyes.

 Abby was our sunshine girl. Abby touched SO many lives, she made more of an impact in her short 31 years than most do in 100 years. Her unique ability to make people feel seen and heard allowed her to develop lasting relationships that many only dream of. 

 From the moment Abby was born, she was inseparable with her twin sister, Rachel. They were sisters and best friends and had countless sleepovers with lots of giggles. To put into words the mischief those two got into is impossible, they had such a special bond.

Abby graduated from Faribault High School in 2011, where her infectious personality allowed her to develop a group of lifelong friends. They have been there for each other through college, weddings, babies, and losses. Following high school, Abby moved to Duluth to pursue her dreams of becoming a nurse and received her BSN from The College of Saint Scholastica. After graduation, she fulfilled her dream of becoming a nurse and worked at North Memorial Hospital; Abby was born to be a nurse. In 2018, only a year into her career, Abby was awarded the prestigious Ralph Rossen award, recognizing a nurse who displays remarkable nursing practices. Over the course of her eight-year career, Abby left a lasting impact on the thousands of patients and co-workers she served. Her dedication to patient care drove her to be the best nurse and leader. She was incredibly passionate about her career, working well into her final days. Abby was so proud to be a nurse, and we were blessed to hear countless stories of Abby’s impact across the Hospital. 

Abby met her soulmate, Bryce, in June of 2017. Married on July 10, 2021, Abby & Bryce celebrated their nuptials over the course of a week-long celebration at Madden’s surrounded by 250 of their favorite people, exactly how Abby had always dreamed. Abby & Bryce loved to spend their time together cooking, playing board games, going for walks, and tailgating for Bryce’s beloved Gophers. On March 20, 2023, Abby and Bryce welcomed their beautiful daughter Lucy into the world. Abby was incredibly proud to be Lulu’s mama and made sure everyone knew it! Lucy was Abby’s whole world and was such a wonderful, caring, playful mother. She wanted her Lulu to have everything and always feel loved. 

When we think of Abby, we think of the color yellow; we’ll think of her when we see the sunshine. Abby’s presence in a room provided the warmth we all desire in a wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. Her smile and laugh were contagious. She loved celebrating her birthday (for the entire month of April!), spending weekends at the cabin with family and friends, and bloody marys (the bigger the better!). Abby was a social butterfly, ensuring there was never an opening in her jam-packed social calendar, working hard to never let friendships fade. Abby had SO many friends who loved her. Abby loved to travel (especially to the beach) and go on new adventures with her loving husband Bryce.

We made many, many promises to Abby, one of which is to always show up for Lucy and make sure her Lucy knows what a wonderful, beautiful mama she had. We will continue to live for her, to go on adventures, to always take her with us and live the life she would want us to. We will talk to her EVERY single day.

Abby showed relentless strength and was so brave in her fight against this relentless disease. We take comfort in knowing that she is free from pain and the never-ending tests, labs and scans. She received world-class, compassionate care from the place she loved so much. We are forever in debt to the amazing care team at North Memorial and hope they know how much of an impact they had on Abby’s journey.

Abby is survived by her Husband; Bryce Tuma, Daughter; Lucy Tuma, Parents; Robin and Renee Nielsen, Brother; Alec Nielsen (spouse Amber Nielsen), Sister; Rachel Kirihara (spouse Paul Kirihara).  Mother and Father in-law; Jeff and Patty Tuma, Brother in-law Brett Tuma (spouse Theresa Tuma).  Nieces and Nephews; Reese Kirihara and Vivian, Carmen, Teddy, and Birdie Tuma.

Abby was preceded in death by Grandma Beverly Nielsen and Grandma Rosie Miller; both held a special place in Abby’s heart.

Memorial service 1:00 PM Friday, December 20, 2024, at St. Philip the Deacon Lutheran Church, 17205 County Road 6, Plymouth. Celebration of Life to follow.

Visitation 5:00-8:00 PM Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel of Plymouth, 15800 37th Ave, N., Plymouth and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials to the family are preferred. You may make a donation to the family by clicking here.