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Frances Louise Gabriel
08/01/1939 — 07/24/2012
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Spokane, WA
Frances Louise Gabriel
Frances "Fran" L. Gabriel of Richland, WA, passed away July 24th at home with family at her side. Fran was born to Louis and Mamie London, August 1, 1939 in Spokane, WA. The family moved to Kennewick in 1950. She graduated from KHS class of '57. She married the love of her life, Ernie Gabriel in September, 1958. Fran retired from the Kennewick School District after 31 years. She really loved her job and loved working with all the kids. She was very active in the community. She enjoyed her book club, was a member of the Pasco-Kennewick International Soroptimist club and, being a cancer survivor, she was very involved with the Cancer Center.
She is preceded in death by her father, Louis London. She is survived by her mother, Mamie London, husband, Ernie Gabriel, daughter, Laurie Brady, son, Mark Tina Gabriel, son, Scott Kristi Gabriel, sister, Joanne Limbaugh Herb, brothers Jim London Freda, Greg London, and Tom London. Six grandchildren, Erin and Courtney Brady, Skyler and Shyla Gabriel, Madyson and Collin Gabriel and three great grandchildren, Zander Jack and Shaun Gabriel, and soon-to-be Kai Maleng, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Fran's life will be held at 2:30 P.M. on Friday, July 27th at Memories at Sunset Event Center 915 By-Pass Highway, Richland, WA 99352.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to hospice at The Chaplaincy, 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352 or the Tri Cities Cancer Center, 7350 W Deschutes Ave Building A, Kennewick, WA 99336.
Dear Fran’s Family,
Fran – what a wonderful woman. She never complained about her own illness, yet always asked about others. A giving, kind, and generous woman. God bless the family. I feel fortunate to have known and worked with her at HMS.
Mark, Tina, Madyson & Collin:
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this time.
Steve, Teri, Elliana & Deacon
To Ernie, Laurie, Mark, Scott & their families, our thoughts are with you. Fran will be missed by so many. Her nurturing way and love of cooking brought people together, and she made sure you would never leave hungry. Many memories were made around her table that will never be forgotten.
I am so very sorry to hear about Mrs. Gabriel’s passing! I met her when I was in 6th grade at Highlands Middle School about 26 years ago!. She took a special interest in my brother and I because she was friends with my grandma Dorothy Boydstun through the cancer center. Even years later, when we would run into each other, she would remember my name and ask about me and my family. She was an awesome lady and will be truly missed!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this sad time!
It is a sad day for all of us who knew Fran at Highlands. She had the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known. I personally will miss her greatly, but I’m sure she is already busy getting St. Peter’s files in perfect order and welcoming everyone to Heaven. Love ya, Fran.
So, so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. One of the most giving people with a big heart. She will be missed. Our condolences to Ernie, Laurie, Scott and Mark and your families.
I knew Fran during her years at Highlands and would see her at Kennewick School District events. We went through cancer surgery and treatment within months of each other. She was an encouragement to me and I hope I supported her. May her family find peace and healing during the weeks and months ahead. She is gone but never forgotten.
I so much appreciate all the help and support Fran gave me when I was a teacher at Highlands Middle School. Both staff and students admired her “no nonsense” yet gentle, caring, and kind personality. What a great listener she was! I will miss seeing and talking with Fran at 5:30 p.m. Saturday Mass at St. Joseph’s. She still remembered my two children who attended HMS. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family at this most difficult time.
Fran was a wonderful, cheerful lady. She was always so professional in the schools and she always made me smile. Fran made the world a better place and we will all miss her. God bless.
Ernie and family,
We want to send our thoughts and prayers in this time of loss. Fran was such a wonderful lady. She was always quick with a smile or a joke. She was so nice to our sons, Travis and Ryan when they went to Highlands. She will be missed by many…..Take care.
Ernie, our thoughts go to you and your family these days. One memory of Fran was the time I canvassed the Highlands neighborhood to show that we were good neighbors. Not many people knew me or the others on the staff, but nearly everyone knew Fran. She will surely be missed by all.
Fran was the nicest, most generous person I have ever known. She will always be remembered, and always has a place in my heart.
So sorry for your loss, and time will bring you only happy memories of her.
Judy Kees
Regardless of your religious affiliation, it will now be hard not to think of Heaven with Frannie at the front counter asking for your immunization record and promising you will love it at this new place. Fran,You have taken care of so many of us, it is God’s turn to take care of you. Thank you Ernie and family for sharing her with us.
I’m so sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. The world lost a very special lady, that’s for sure. I had the pleasure of working with Fran at the District Office a few years ago. She was retired then, but subbed on occasion and I was always so happy to see her! We had many great conversations, and shared alot of laughs. I remember once telling her that she was my school secretary when I went to Highlands, she looked at me and said, “Well, THAT makes me feel old”!! We both thought that was funny. Loved her humor.
Rest in peace, sweet Fran. When you see my dad up there, give him a hug for me, ok? I will miss you.
Loves and God Bless.
dear ernie & family,
i’m so sorry about frannie-i wish that i could attend. i will be there in spirit. i remember how she loved watermelons & have wondered if she still did! my thoughts & prayers are with you all. she was a wonderful lady & i will always remember her!
love, nikki
Fran…A story about you!
Who in their life hasn’t planted a peach pit, just hoping that somehow a seedling would grow? And then they move on to some other adventure, and if it comes up, they don’t even know.
Thats one way of picturing your style . You planted ideas and dreams unaware. You noticed somebody whose heart needed attention and planted positives feelings in there.
It was part of your nature, you may not have remembered the kind and encouraging things that you’ve done but everywhere there are peach pits growing like crazy and people are blooming, I know of more than just one.
I know that we are not suppose to ask why…but sometimes we do, when God takes the good ones to early…
We will all miss You.
Schoolmate, Friend, and Coworker
Harley & Darla Britton Trapp
Our condolences to Ernie and family. Fran was a great lady. I enjoyed working with her at Highlands. She was a constant positive influence there for a long time. We also shared many good times with she and Ernie socially. She will be missed.
Ernie and Family,
May “the healing hands of time” bring you memories that will forever make your hearts smile. Fran was an extraordinary woman who touched the lives of many. Her personality colored the world with genuine friendship and laughter. That personality wrapped in her skills was a gift to Kennewick School District for many years.
I feel blessed to have shared part of my world with Fran and the Gabriel family.
Love and Prayers,
Brenda Mehlenbacher
I drove school bus for Kennewick School Dist.for several years. I knew Fran when I drove for Hi-lands Middle School. She was always so pleasant and sweet and always ready to help in any way she could. She was such a joy to know and work with. She was one of my favorite people. My condolences to her family and many friends. God Bless.
Connie George
Dear
Dear Family,
I pray for your family and friends. I am a high school friend now living in St.Petersburg, Florida. Please accept my heartfelt love for all of your dear ones. I keep the memory of Fran in my thoughts from high school English class. She was always a bright, practical young girl. I think she always made her own mother feel proud of her because of her natural ability to be friendly and her desire to do right. I know she is resting in peace and will be delighted to see all of her family again when the time comes.
Lots of Love
Belinda Marsh Kenyon
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Dearest Ernie, Laurie, Mark, Scott and Families…Where are the words to describe what ‘our’ Fran meant to all of us, her Highlands ‘family’. Each day of having her in our lives was such a true gift, one that we will always cherish. Her caring, kindness, and generosity were all wrapped up in a package called LOVE, also known as “Fran.” Following Fran’s example, we are here for all of you with love and prayers.
Ernie – I’m so sorry to hear about Fran’s passing. I worked at HMS – starting in ’94 as the music teacher. I loved Fran so much. She always made me feel so loved and welcomed. I also remember what a fashion statement Fran was. : I didn’t know about the services, because I was out of town. I’m heartbroken that I wasn’t there. I hope you are well, and that you will find comfort in the many special memories that you have.
An amazing lady who left a wonderful legacy of joy and kindness.
Ernie, I am very sorry to hear of Fran’s passing. She was a very special person, who brought an abundance of joy to many. She will be greatly missed. May God bless you all
Our condolences to the Gabriel and London families
I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT FRAN. SHE WAS A WONDERFUL WOMAN. MAY GOD BLESS HER SOUL. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU DURING THIS TIME.
Ernie, Aunt Mamie and all Fran’s family. I was so sorry to here that Fran had passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I am hoping that I can re-schedlue my day so I can be there for the Celebration of her life. God Bless all of you in this time of sorrow.
John and Vikki Sicilia
Dear Laurie, Courtney & Erin, so very sad to hear of Fran’s passing. But we know she has gone to Heaven. I got to briefly meet Fran on the housing showing for Courtney & then again for Courtney’s grad party. There was a lot of love from Fran for her family. I just pray the Lord wraps His arms around you all with comfort & peace! Jeannie Erickson xoxoxoxo
Guestbook for
Frances Louise Gabriel