Penny Gabriel

Margaret Mary Gabriel (nee Scally), known to all as Penny, went to see Our Lord on Thursday, January 12, 2023, after blessing us with her presence for 79 years.

Penny was born on May 21, 1943, in Philadelphia to Dr. Earl T. Scally and Margaret (Peggy) Scally and received her name from the song “Pennies from Heaven”. Little did they know how appropriate that would be.

Penny spent 57 years of her life as the beloved wife of Ron Gabriel. Everyone who knew them could easily see how deep their love was for each other. They married on February 13, 1965 and built a beautiful family together. Penny was a devoted mother to three children, Cody (Bridget) Gabriel, Kelly (Tammy) Gabriel and Nicole (Christopher) Leeland. She was the loving Memom to her nine grandchildren: Casey, Ronnie, Rudy, Brooke, Ryan, Amanda, Gianna, Christian and Brady and her great granddaughter Carter.

Penny was an only child but had many cousins and lifelong friends that she considered her siblings. Penny attended grade school at St Cecilia Academy in Philadelphia and went to high school at Mount St. Joseph Academy. She attended college at Chestnut Hill College and the University of Miami. Penny’s first job was teaching 1st grade at Holy Souls Romain Catholic School in Philadelphia in 1963. Teaching children would be her vocational calling throughout her life. She taught Religious Education for over 35 years at St. Mary’s in Williamstown and was a teacher’s aide for special needs students for 36 years.  She loved her students and they loved her. They often affectionately called her “Miss Penny”. You could hear people call out to her any time she went out and this wasn’t just limited to Williamstown. Her compassion extended beyond those she met. There was not a mission or outreach program that didn’t touch her heart. Many were fortunate to be added to her coveted daily prayer list.

Her children, grandchildren, and great granddaughter were the greatest joys of her life. Penny enjoyed being involved in all aspects of their lives. Whether she was cheering them on from the side lines or praying for their protection. She was always there for her family and friends. All who knew Penny were touched by her presence and knew she was truly one of a kind. 

Penny had a true love for God and could see only the good in everyone. Penny’s faith was an integral part of her life. She had a beautiful voice and used God’s gift to praise Him by singing for several years in the St. Mary’s folk group and then for over 35 years in the choir. Through Church, she met many great lifelong friends that joined the other wonderful friendships she and Ron had built during their life. She cherished them as much as her family. She loved getting together with family and friends where they often enjoyed the pleasure of her wonderful cooking.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Saturday, January 21st from 9:30 – 11:30am at Our Lady of Peace Parish / St. Mary’s Church, 32 Carroll Ave., Williamstown. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00pm. Cremation and Interment private.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of these children’s charities: Shriner’s Hospital for Children @ www.shrinerschildrens.org, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital @ www.stjude.org and / or Save the Children @ www.savethechildren.org.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Penny Gabriel, please visit our floral store.