Cathy Jean Gabriel

Cathy Jean Gehris Gabriel, 62, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on June 10, 2017 following a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on March 2, 1955 in Sayre, Pa., Cathy was the daughter of Shirley Yeomans Dimmick and the late Thomas Gehris.
Cathy graduated from Athens High School in 1973 and Bloomsburg State College in 1977 with a degree in elementary education.
She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. James M. Gabriel, on Aug. 6, 1977, and they would have celebrated 40 years of marriage this summer.
From 1977 to 1980, while Jim was in optometry school in Philadelphia, Cathy worked as a bank teller. The couple returned to their hometown in 1980, and Cathy began her teaching career. She took a permanent position in Athens School District in 1985 at Sheshequin-Ulster Elementary. After 30 wonderful years, she concluded her career with the district in 2015, retiring from Lynch-Bustin Elementary.
Cathy was passionate about teaching, and she touched the lives of many colleagues, students and their families. She was a member of ProCare Fitness, Endless Mountain Quilt Guild, Quilt Girls sewing group, and a book club with her friends. She loved the sun, water and her annual vacation to the beach in Ocean City, Md., with family and friends. Cathy also loved reading, shopping, quilting, and walking. Most of all, she cherished time with her family, especially her precious grandsons.
She was the beloved wife of Dr. James Gabriel of Sayre, Pa.; loving mother of Nicole (James) Briggs of Athens, Todd Gabriel of Sayre, and Dr. Travis (fiancée Kate Homa) Gabriel of Yardley, Pa.; beloved Gaga to Aidan and Austin Briggs, and Adeline, who was due to be born in August.
Cathy is also survived by her mother, Shirley Dimmick of Sayre; step mother-in-law, Elaine Gabriel; sisters, Sandra (Thomas) Drake of Simpsonville, S.C., and Glenda (Gene) Otten of Ridgebury, Pa.; brother-in-law, Keith (Debbie) Gabriel of Sayre; sister-in-law, Jane (Billy) Giaimo of Allentown, N.J.; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and their families.
Cathy was predeceased by her father, Thomas Gehris; stepfather, Gene Dimmick; and mother- and-father-in-law, Leonard and Stella Gabriel.
Throughout Cathy's illness, she displayed a positive attitude and always had a smile. She appreciated the thoughtfulness of so many with their visits, prayers and other acts of kindness. The family would like to thank Cathy's special care team of P4 friends, Janet, Paula and Vicki; sister, Glenda; and friends, Martha and Linda.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Lynch-Bustin Elementary, 253 Pennsylvania Ave., Athens, PA 18810, for books to be placed in the school library; or to the charity of one's choice.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at The Church of the Epiphany, and again from 9 to 10 a.m. on Thursday, June 15 with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Burial will be at the Tioga Point Cemetery following the mass.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St., Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a sympathy message may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com.