Betty Gabriel

Betty Lucille Gabriel (nee Lehmann), age 92, of Wexford PA entered the Church Triumphant on July 25, 2025 after a short hospitalization. Born on January 12, 1933 to Merle C. Lehmann and Martha N. Lehmann (nee Robertson) in Menomonie, Wisconsin, Betty was an excellent student and graduated from high school at 16. On June 10, 1951, she married Russell W. Gabriel and began a happy marriage that took them to Minneapolis MN, Corvallis OR, Allentown PA, Beloit WI, Davenport IA, and the Pittsburgh area. Each of their three daughters was born in a different state!
The couple enjoyed traveling. Betty would meticulously plan each adventure while Russell took plenty of photos. Scrapbooks included every map, receipt, and detail for enjoyment later. Following retirement, the Gabriels ventured as far as Alaska, Hawaii, and New Zealand along with popping in to see important events in their grandchildren's lives. Following Russell's death 2004, Betty continued her adventures with family and friends. Highlights included crossing the ocean on a ship, attending destination weddings, touring national parks in the Southwest, and some snowbird time in Florida.
A cradle Lutheran, Betty particularly enjoyed her 3-Ds group at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wexford. As late as 2019, the great-grandmothers stepped up when Vacation Bible School was in danger of cancellation due to lack of help. It was an exhausting week for them but a wonderful example of doing all that you can as long as you can. The family greatly appreciates the pastoral care provided to Betty during her health emergency.
Betty was the glue that held family and friend groups together. She carried on correspondence with dozens of people and could always be counted upon for encouraging words when they were needed the most. She will be greatly missed by many people, especially her daughters: Julie Ann Miller, Jan Marie Schultz (Charles), and Barbara Jean Thornton. Her grandchildren Valerie Nellor (Joe), Adam Miller (Karen), Derrick Schultz (Llana Kaplan), and Samantha Winski (Nick) will remember her as someone who never let them down. Betty is also survived by three great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, many cousins, and innumerable friends.
Friends will be received on Friday, August 8, 2025 from 10-11:30 a.m. immediately followed by the memorial service at 11:30 a.m. at Simons Funeral Home, Inc., 7720 Perry Hwy, Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
At Betty's request, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.