Mary Gabriel

Mary B. Gabriel, formerly of Windsor Heights, passed from this life on Tuesday July 10, 2018, surrounded by her family at the Kavanaugh House. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, July 13, 2018, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, located at 1230 Merle Hay Road in Des Moines. A rosary will be held at 10:30 AM. A luncheon will follow the burial at the church. Mary was born on January 2, 1925, in Des Moines, Iowa to Michael and Catherine (Parisi) Funaro. She was a graduate of East High School. In 1946, Mary married the love of her life, James Joseph Gabriel, and their marriage was blessed with two children. Mary was a devoted and faith filled wife and mother, always instilling her values and offering her support in good and challenging times. Mary was truly the “peacemaker” of the family. She and her husband were founding members of St. Theresa Church where it all began in the basement of the Basilica of St. John. Survivors include her daughter, Nancy McCarthy (William) of Urbandale; son, Michael Gabriel of Des Moines; sister, Michaela Funaro; sister-in-law, Jeanne Funaro; grandchildren, Lisa Musso, James Gabriel, Paul McCarthy, Daniel McCarthy, and Amy Hegener; 9 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and long-time friends. Mary was preceded into eternal life by her husband, James; parents; and three brothers, Frank, Charles and Sam. Mary’s family would like to thank the compassionate staff at Wesley Acres assisted living and the Kavanaugh House for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Saint Theresa School.