In Memory of Abby Hastings

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved colleague and friend, Abby Hastings.

Abby was truly one-of-a-kind—fierce, brilliant, loyal, compassionate, driven, and hilarious (we can’t emphasize that enough). Her presence lit up every room, every Zoom call, every Slack message, every client meeting. She brought her whole self to work every day, and that self was full of grace, humor, integrity, and deep care for others.

For more than five years, Abby embodied what it means to be part of Hunley. She looked out for everyone—coworkers, clients, and friends alike—and made each of us feel seen, supported, and valued. She had a way of pushing people to be their best without ever making them feel small. Her impact on our company and culture is immeasurable.

But Abby wasn’t just a teammate. She was family. And that wasn’t just how we felt about her—it’s how she treated each of us.

As we mourn this loss, we also want to celebrate her. And the best way we know how is through the words of those who knew and loved her:

“Abby was a personal hero of mine and a great boss and friend. Brave, supportive, fun—she constantly pushed others to overcome their fears and doubts.”

“She was an amazing advocate for her people. She could tell you when you needed to do better, but never in a way that made you feel anything but respected. We are all better for having known her.”

“Abby had the biggest heart. It doesn’t feel real that someone so full of life can be gone. I’m grateful I got to spend time with her in person recently. No one had a bigger heart than Abby.”

“She got to know every person—their spouses, partners, parents, kids, pets—you name it. When things got tough, she reminded us: ‘It’s not brain surgery. It’ll be okay.’”

“Abby and I started out as rivals—maybe I’m a bit hard-headed. But one day she reached out, and I, like everyone else, quickly realized how amazing and caring she was.”

“Sometimes I’d call her randomly—after hours—and she always picked up. She was someone I could talk to about anything. Her stories, especially about her college-aged son, always made me laugh.”

“Abby’s kindness extended beyond work. My wife, Tina, considered her a dear friend. As Tina said through tears, ‘Abby always told me: if you need me, I’m keeping space for you.’”

“When I was newly postpartum, she checked in on me constantly. Sent me book recommendations. A video from her morning walk. I still have it. She was just that kind of person.”

“She always saw the best in people. She believed in our potential, and she reminded us of the impact we were making.”

“Coworker turned best friend. We talked every day, work or not. I keep hoping this is a bad dream and she’ll be online today like always. I miss her deeply.”

“When I first met her in New Orleans, she was so welcoming, so funny. Later, when she heard I had cancer, she reached out immediately to offer help. That’s just who she was—always giving.”

“Abby was our rock. No matter how busy she was, she made time for everyone. I don’t usually go for the ‘work family’ thing—but she made it real.”

“I’m not really ready to do this. I can’t begin to explain the hole in my heart, but, I don’t have to because you all feel it too. Abby was simply the kindest person I’ve ever met. My wife keeps one of Abby’s handwritten notes taped to the mirror in our bathroom. Her words helped Shannon get through my father-in-law’s lung cancer treatment two years ago. Abby gave so much of herself to so many people… and to Hunley. There was hardly a day that went by where we didn’t talk about different ways to get the best out of and uplift her team. Abby carried pieces of everyone here with her. I’ve never worked with a better people manager, and I’m confident I never will again.”

“I’ve been sitting with this loss quietly. Not quite ready to put it into words. But the truth is, Abby was one of the most important people in my life. Our friendship ran deep, and it shaped me. She was my co-worker, my co-conspirator, my sounding board, my trip buddy, my celebration partner, my champion, and my true friend. We talked almost every day—about work, about our families, about everything and nothing. Abby had a way of making you feel seen, every single time. She was relentless in her support and friendship. She mailed actual cards. She planned ahead for other people’s birthdays. She noticed when I wore a new headband. She made me feel like I mattered. And she did that for so many of us. The last thing she said to me on our call this past Friday was that she felt better after talking. I told her the same. We got that moment—a goodbye that neither of us knew would be a goodbye. I’ll hold onto it forever.”

“Abby had a magical way of creating connection and belonging. I was new to the company, nervous and unsure—and she instantly made me feel welcome. She learned my kids’ names before she even met me in person. That’s who she was. She made space for people, even when she had a thousand other things going on. I’ll never forget her laugh—it was pure joy.”

“Abby showed up for people in ways that most of us only aspire to. She remembered birthdays. She remembered hard days. She remembered you. And not in a grand, performative way—but in the quiet, meaningful ways that make you feel like you matter. It’s hard to grasp that she’s gone. But I know that the best way we can honor her is to keep showing up for each other like she did.”

Abby was all heart. All light. And while it’s hard to imagine the days ahead without her, we will carry her memory forward—in the way we support each other, in the way we show up, in the way we lead with kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations to your local animal shelter would be a great way to honor Abby.

We love you, Abby. You made all of us better. You always will.

— Aaron