OXFORD – Barbara E. Gabel, 59, of 65 Orchard Hill Drive, died Thursday, September 8, at home after a year long battle with cancer.
She leaves a brother, Stephen Gabel of Webster; two sisters, Donna C. Gabel of New York City and Deborah W. Schnackenberg of Fultonville, NY; her close friend and caregiver, Robert Pichette of Worcester; six nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her brother Richard in 1949 and her sister Sandra in 1965.
She was born in Ware and raised in Amherst and Holyoke, a daughter of Richard E. and Evelyn F. (Sessions) Gabel. She graduated from Holyoke High School and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy from Worcester State College.
She was an occupational therapy assistant at various local nursing homes, retiring last year because of illness. She had also worked as a housekeeper at the Genesis Club in Worcester and as a receptionist at the G. Stanley Hall School.
She was a member of the Genesis Club. Her interests included folk music, painting with water colors, African drumming, wild flowers and house cats.
A celebration of life gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours. Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701
Sitkowski & Malboeuf Funeral Home, 340 School St., Webster, is directing the arrangements.