HELEN GABRIEL Obituary

HELEN GABRIEL
September 15, 1927 - October 29, 2024
Helen C. Gabriel, who, together with her late husband, Bertram Gabriel Jr., moved to Santa Fe in 1978-an adopted city they both loved-died peacefully at home. She was 97.
Helen was a member of the Santa Fe Garden Club for more than 35 years and a former board member of the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of New Mexico Foundation. She enjoyed simulcasts of the Metropolitan Opera at the Lensic Theater and Santa Fe's fine restaurants.
Before moving to Santa Fe from Bedford, N.Y., she was active in the Bedford Garden Club and the Chappaqua Drama Club.
Born Helen Muriel Cohen in St. Louis, Mo., she was the elder daughter of Sidney S. Cohen and Sadie (Margulis) Cohen. She graduated from Smith College in 1948 and married in 1953 in New York City. Bert died in 2004.
Helen is survived by her three children: Robin H. Gabriel of Georgetown, S.C.; Andrew S. Gabriel (Beth) of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Trip Gabriel (Alice) of Pound Ridge, N.Y. She is also survived by her four grandchildren: Henry Gabriel of Los Angeles, Beau Gabriel of London, U.K.; Julia Gabriel of Chicago; and Tallen Gabriel of Brooklyn, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wheelwright Museum in Santa Fe.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Fe New Mexican from Nov. 2 to Nov. 3, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for HELEN GABRIEL

Sponsored by The Santa Fe New Mexican.

8 Entries

Sonette Steyn

November 15, 2024

I celebrate Helen's life. She cared deeply for the plight of people and animals. Her kindness made an impact on many lives. Our paths crossed soon after her 90th birthday. I became her friend and companion and got to know the woman whose inner strength always amazed me. She was not going to use a wheelchair even though her knees hurt, she would continue to use her walker until the end. Not many people make the milestone of 97. When Helen was asked how she was doing she would smile and say "I'm still above the grass" this always made people smile. She would add that she had lived a good, long life, for which she was grateful. Helen's interest in the arts, theater, varied cuisine, a good book plus her two beloved cats kept her youthful. She dressed immaculately and color-coordinated (her mother's influence, she shared). I am grateful to have known Helen and shared part of her life. Her 'stories' she always transported me to the colorful and unique era in which she was raised.
Lilly and Simon, her two precious cats have taken time to adjust, they were lost without her. I'm happy to say they are with me now and exploring their new environment. Helen loved those cats, she will be happy, they are doing well.

Meryl Chaney

November 5, 2024

Helen was a lovely lady. When I first joined the SFGC in 2001, Helen took me under her wing as she sensed I knew nothing about flowers and shows and all the generous things that were done for the community. I attended all the Japanese flower arranging workshops she taught. Helen was a skilled artist in this amazing field.
She was very generous especially to her friends in their time of need. I remember her driving our mutual friend Helen Pynn to appointments and shopping and when she could no longer drive, she sent her personal driver to take our friend whoever she needed to go.
Helen encouraged me to compete in flower arranging shows and would be my biggest fan when I would win a prize.
I will miss her.
My heart and prayers go out to her family.
Meryl Chaney

Andy Gabriel

November 4, 2024

Thanks to our Mom´s friends who took the time to share your memories and sign this guest book. She had a lot of good people from Santa Fe in her life.

Elaine Fattah Herrera

November 4, 2024

Helen was a wonderful, generous woman. I will remember her fondly along with her husband Bert whom I admired.
Condolences to the family.

Rhea Saint

November 4, 2024

I worked as a caregiver for Helen for the past 1 1/2 years. She was a kind and sweet lady. I am happy to have known her. My condolences to her family.
Rhea

Carol M McDonald

November 4, 2024

My deepest condolences to Helen's family. I considered her to be my friend and I miss her! She was always such a lady in our Santa Fe Garden Club.
Carol M McDonald

Pat

November 4, 2024

I have known Helen for 40 years. We met when I joined the Santa Fe Garden Club. We even lived next to one another for a short period of time. She was a good friend, loyal and ready to help any one who needed it. She will be greatly missed by me and all those who knew her.

Polly

November 2, 2024

I took a weaving class with Helen in the winter of '81/'82 here in Santa Fe and always remembered her. She was so warm and friendly and spirited. Sending my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

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