Dr. Carylmae "Tinka" Barbara Abrahams

Carylmae 'Tinka' Barbara Abrahams Obituary Carylmae 'Tinka' Barbara Abrahams of Austin, Texas passed away quietly in her sleep at the age of 87 in hospice care at St. David's North hospital at 4:07 am on Wednesday, February 20th. Caryl had struggled with her health for many years but was able to live her final years per her wishes in her home in North Austin. She is survived by her daughter Mary Stevens Bledsoe, son-in-law Bracton 'Trac' Bledsoe, and grandsons Trey and Forrest Bledsoe. Carylmae 'Tinka' Abrahams was born on New Year's Eve December 31st, 1936 to parents Rudy and Delories Abrahams in Brooklyn, NY. Tinka was the only child of Delories and Rudy. Tinka attended the Ethical Culture Fieldston School in Manhattan and was encouraged by her mother Delories in dance and theater. Caryl treasured a photo depicting her winning costume in the Coney Island Baby Parade at one year of age. The family later relocated to Poughkeepsie, NY where Tinka spent her early school age years. Due to her fathers military service they relocated to California for several years before returning north to New Jersey where Tinka attended The Arts High School in Newark from 1950 - 1953 graduating with honors. Tinka went on to Vassar College but her studies were interrupted by the tragic loss of her mother Delories in her Freshman year. She took a break from school to work as an airline hostess for Allegheny Airlines and had a brief marriage to Jim Clark also of New York. Caryl later returned to university, graduating in 1962 from the University of Florida in Gainesville where she met her husband of 8 years Morgan Maclachlan. The two traveled to India together where they lived in a small village in the Indian state of Karnataka. Morgan was studying for his doctoral thesis and Caryl ran a local health clinic. After returning to the US, the couple moved to Austin where Caryl received her MSW and PhD from the University of Texas at Austin. This was also where their only child Mary Stevens Maclachlan was born in 1967. The couple divorced a couple years later. In 1971 Caryl relocated to Colombo, Sri Lanka on a Fulbright Scholarship from UT Austin, taking Mary to live abroad. This would prove the start of a series of moves through numerous foreign countries including Scotland, Northern Ireland, Canada and later back to Sri Lanka. Caryl had an illustrious career in International Social Development, becoming a tenured Full Professor at The University of Toronto where she spent several decades teaching and leading research initiatives. Caryl was a feminist, activist and agitator. All badges she wore with honor and a robust sense of mischief. She came to have close long-standing relationships with several of her students and protegees: Linda Kostiuk who would become her dearest friend, Peter Dunn, Sarath Chandrasekere (and his family), Lisa Steven, Evelyn Washington and many others who I hope will forgive me for failing to mention. Caryl was a lifelong dog lover. Her beloved dog Moose has now 'emigrated' to Canada to his new home with Linda Kostiuk where he will be well loved and adored thoroughly. Caryl is survived by not only Mary, Trac, Trey and Forrest, but also by her dearest stepsister Charmaine Palistrant with whom she remained in close contact throughout her life. Char's daughter Karen, and her grandchildren Kathy, Bethany and great-grandchildren; her cousins Myron and Alan Steir, their sister Ann and their families. Caryl was laid to rest at Eloise Woods Natural Burial Park www.eloisewoods.com surrounded by nature and immediate family. Rabbi Will Hall officiated the funeral service and was of great comfort to family. Those wishing to honor Caryl's memory should donate to the education fund of their choice. Caryl was a lifelong student and teacher and nothing would please her more than help going to those in search of knowledge.

Dr. Carylmae "Tinka" Barbara Abrahams

December 31, 1936 - February 21, 2024