Obituary of Nellie G. Gabriel

Nellie G. Gabriel, 91, of Delhi died peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2015 at Fox Nursing Home in Oneonta. She was born February 21, 1924 in Delhi to Allen and Blanche (Ives) Every. In 1947, she married James Gabriel in Delhi. He predeceased her in 1997, a few months shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. She worked as domestic help on the Gerry Estate at Lake Delaware, at Scintilla in Sidney manufacturing airplane parts during World War II, and retired from food services at SUNY Delhi. Nellie was a member of St.James Episcopal Church at Lake Delaware. She took great pride in her work on the Alter Guild there. She was a lifetime member of the Donald W. Gleason Post 190 Auxiliary holding many offices in the post and in the district. Even at the age of 91, Nellie was young at heart. She loved a good story and a cold beer. She was bold and outspoken, but possessed a generous spirit and a strong work ethic. Nellie spent many hours in her kitchen or at her sewing machine. She was an outstanding seamstress-no task was ever too challenging, and even in her last months she was completing sewing and crocheting projects for friends and neighbors. No weed ever survived in her garden, and the vegetables from it were canned or shared. She was an excellent cook and baker-her homemade cream puffs were the hit of Wednesday night Bingo at the Legion. Nellie is survived by her children Bonnie Drake of Oneonta, Anthonty (Norma) Gabriel of Bovina, Barbara Gorsch of Vernon Center, and David Gabriel of North Carolina and by her brother John (Lorene) Every of Bloomville. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind special friends, Nadine and Tim Shampine. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, Allen and Blanche Every, her brother Allen Every Jr., her sisters Margaret Derr and Helen Lord and her grandson Nicholas Gorsch. Calling hours will be at the MacArthur Funeral Home in Delhi from 5-8pm on Friday July 24, 2015. A funeral service will take place at 11am on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at St. James Episcopal Church in Lake Delaware, with Father RL Donahue, Nellie's long-time friend, officiating. Burial will follow in Bloomville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bloomville or St. James Episcopal Church at Lake Delaware. Those who wish to share condolences or a special memory may do so online at www.macarthurfh.com. Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home of Delhi.