On March 20, 2004, Patricia Marilyn Gabriel, 71, of Herkimer, beloved wife of Anthony Gabriel and loving mother, reached out and touched the hand of God with strength, courage and peace. She was comforted and surrounded by her loving, devoted husband of fifty years and by her six daughters. She was also fulfilled in knowing that she would be rejoined with her son Anthony J. Gabriel, III and her granddaughter, Elayne Lynn. Patricia was born on May 2, 1943 in Ilion, to the late Julia and Elwood (Donnelly) Lonis. She was raised and educated in West Winfield and Little Falls schools, graduating in 1952. She was joined in marriage to Anthony J. Gabriel, Jr., on June 19, 1954 in St. Mary's Church, Little Falls, establishing a loving, lasting relationship of fifty years which they would have celebrated on June 19, 2004. Patricia began her courageous battle against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in December of 2002. Even though she was diagnosed and was struggling, she continued to place her husband, six daughters, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren first, constantly striving to ensure good health, safety and success for each and every one of them. Throughout her life, she always attended every family sporting event and family function. As a family, they embraced every moment and celebrated life. Throughout this past year, she was deeply moved by the outpouring of prayers, cards, flowers, visits and support by family and friends and recently was quoted as saying "I feel like Im the most loved person." Patricia worked in various occupations in her lifetime, including the former P and K Dress Shop and C.B. Smith's Jeweler. Upon marrying Anthony and having their children, Patricia chose to stay at home to love and nurture her family, as well as travel the states extensively with her husband and daughters throughout her husbands military career. She was involved with the Herkimer Hospital Guild and was a proud fourty year volunteer for the American Red Cross. Patricia also volunteered for the American Cancer Society. Recently, she served as an elections inspector for the Democratic Party. Patricia was the manager for Stanley Home Products, worked for a brief time at Steinbachs, Francia's Bridal Shop and was a substitute teacher for various schools in the valley, as well as Herkimer B.O.C.E.S. She had a special calling for and devotion to the students at B.O.C.E.S. A religious woman, and devout Catholic, she was a member of various religious groups including the St. Francis Society, Sacred Heart Society, Crafty Ladies and was a member of the Home Bureau. She enjoyed participating in all the church activities, and was also a church school instructor. She was a life-long dedicated member of Saints Anthony and Joseph's Church, Herkimer. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Patricia was always giving and caring for others. She also enjoyed traveling to Atlantic City, Cape Cod, Washington, the Turning Stone Casino, which really fascinated her and also to Sylvan Beach. She is survived by her husband of fifty years, Anthony, six loving daughters, Julie Goodman and Wayne Mead of Herkimer, Lori GabrielKnapp and husband John of Frankfort, Mary Gabriel of Herkimer and Mark Bentley, Gina Vandenburg of Niskayuna, Trish Gabriel Wilt and husband Michael of Glenville and Cynthia Gabriel of Herkimer, ten cherished grandchildren, Elayne, Andrew, Nicole, Alyssa, Jennifer, Jessica, Amber, Cody, Kyle and Katherine, four adored great grandchildren, Samantha, Colin, Preston and Candace. Survivors also include 5 siblings, Elizabeth, Robert, Eleanor, Donald and David, also many relatives including nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous wonderful friends. Relatives and friends are invited to visitation at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer on Monday (today) from 4-8 p.m. Patricia's funeral will commence on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 9 am from the chapel of the funeral home, where prayer will be offered. Procession will follow past her home and then to Saints Anthony and Joseph Church, South Main St., Herkimer where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Anthony Ligato, pastor, at 10 am. She will then be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery, town of Herkimer. The family would like to offer their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Samir DeSai, P.A.Windy Mitchell and the nurses and staff of the 3rd floor cancer center at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare in Utica. Special thanks to Greg, Romeo, Robin, Dustin, Mike, Chris, Judy and Flossie, she loved you all. Thank you to the visiting clergy, especially Sister Maureen Denn, you were her Irish guardian angel. In lieu of floral offerings, please consider contributions to the Lymphoma-Leukemia Society of America, (www.LLA.org), envelopes are available at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home. Members of the Sts. Anthony and Joseph Society will gather at the funeral home at 6 P.M. to pay their respects. The St. Francis Society will gather at the funeral home at 4:15 P.M. to conduct their service.