Joyce E. Gabriel

Joyce E. Gabriel, 89, of Pittsburgh, PA, died on Monday, February 26th, 2024. She was surrounded by her loving family when she passed. Joyce was born on June 12th, 1934 in Virginia, Minnesota to Vernon and Alta Berger. She met the love of her life, Earl H. Gabriel, in 1950 at the Duluth curling and skating club. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married on June 14th, 1952 in Duluth, MN. Earl’s father Chalvar officiated their wedding. Throughout their 64 year marriage, Joyce was a faithful and loving wife. Joyce and Earl were eager to start a family of their own, and their children meant the world to them. They had five children: Cathy, Dana, Mark, Paul, and Jonathan. Joyce was always there for her children and was a loving mother to them. She was a homemaker who devoted her life to caring for her family. Joyce could often be found in the kitchen baking bread, preparing a delicious meal, or whipping up a tasty treat. 
While Joyce was a fantastic mother, her favorite role was that of Grandma. She treasured her time with her grandchildren and loved to have sleepovers and create crafts with them. “Grandma Gabriel” was famous among her grandkids for hosting flashlight-lit tea parties in her downstairs powder room. Her love and support of her grandchildren is one of her greatest legacies. Joyce was an active member of Northgate Church, devoting her time and energy to sharing God’s love with others. She sang in the church choir, helped organize the Ladies Luncheon, served in the quilt ministry, assisted with the children’s ministry, and helped out wherever she was needed. She loved her church family and continued to attend service as she was able until her passing. Everyone who knew Joyce knew how creative she was. She loved to paint and draw, and created many beautiful works of art. Much of her artwork featured flowers and butterflies, both of which she loved dearly, or beach scenes inspired by trips to the shore with her family. Her most well-loved piece of artwork was a tree that she painted on the wall directly outside her kitchen, on which she tracked the heights of her children and grandchildren. Joyce will always be remembered for her kind and generous spirit, and for her love of the Lord. We couldn’t have asked for a better mom and grandma, and we will miss her every day. Joyce’s memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her, until we are all reunited in Heaven someday. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Vernon and Alta berger; her husband, Earl H. Gabriel, and her son, Mark E. Gabriel. She is survived by her children Cathryn (Ken) Sengpiehl, Dana (John) Longo, Paul Gabriel, and Jonathan (Faith) Gabriel; her grandchildren Mark Gabriel, Ryan Gabriel, Karissa Longo, and Kristen Gabriel; her great-grandchildren Sage Hill and Cameron Gabriel, and by many dear friends. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Northgate Church in honor of Joyce would be greatly appreciated.