LEICESTER: Mary M. (Polissack) Gabrila, 72, formerly of 51 Pine St., died Saturday, Jan. 9 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.
Her husband of 40 years, Leonard "Lenny" Gabrila died in 2011. She leaves her daughters Amy M. Gabrila and her wife Lynette Gabrila and their son Sean Moon of Ware, Emily L. Arguin and her fiancé Paul Laforte of Leicester, her sisters Catherine Ford and her husband Edward and Patricia Cordella and her husband Robert all of Worcester, several nieces, nephews, and her cat Hopie and grandpets, Pip, Milo, Simon and Archer.
Mary was a social worker for the Commonwealth's Dept. Children and Families (formerly known as DSS) in Worcester for 40 years, retiring in 2010. Mary dedicated her life to the protection and service of those most vulnerable, with passion and persistence. She felt blessed by the life-long relationships that she built with colleagues and their mutual compassion for children and families. Mary also found warmth and comfort with animals of all kinds and dedicated herself to their safety and care.
She was born in Worcester, the daughter of Robert and Margaret (Angarano) Polissack and later graduated from the former Commerce High School and Worcester State College in Worcester. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph/St. Pius X Parish, volunteered for its Food Pantry and thrift store. She once served on the Leicester Public Library Committee and Leicester School Committee.
A funeral Mass for all to attend, will be held on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m. in St. Pius X Church, 1153 Main St., Leicester, with Covid-19 precautions, social distancing and masks. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Leicester. Calling hours are private. MORIN FUNERAL HOME, 1131 Main St., Leicester is directing arrangements for the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Second Chance Animal Services, P.O. Box 136, E.Brookfield, MA 01515 or American Chronic Pain Association at www.theacpa.org/donate/.