She was one of the first female students at Harvard University, enrolling in a "Plan for Private Collegiate Instruction of Women" upon its establishment in 1879 at her behest.

[9] Long interested in improving educational opportunities for women in Japan, she was presented with a gold cup by Emperor Meiji in 1898 for her success in this regard.

In 1918, The New York Times observed that "Abby Leach gives the Greek more of the modern conception of fate and free-will than does Boeckh.

"[12] In failing health due to cancer during her early sixties, she was cared for at her home in her final days by her sisters, Anna and Edith Leach.

Abby Leach died from cancer at her home at the age of sixty-three on December 29, 1918, and was buried in Brockton.