Susan R. Gabriel, 70, of Bradenton, FL, passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, after a long bout of pneumonia.
Susan was born on January 9, 1953, in Chicago, Illinois, where from a young age she worked at her family’s deli. Her family then moved to Montauk, Long Island, for a short time, after finally settling in Bradenton about 40 years ago.
Susan retired from Red Lobster after 25 years as a meal prepper. In her retirement, she loved attending Easter Seals, volunteering for the Manatee Public Library in Bayshore Gardens and competing in Special Olympics swimming, bowling and volleyball. She was an avid member of the Manasota BUDS and never missed a Buddy Walk fundraiser at Hunsader Farms. She faithfully attended St. Joseph Catholic Church for many years.
Susan absolutely loved attending Special Olympics dances. If there was music playing, Susan was dancing! She also enjoyed creating arts and crafts. Susan was an avid reader and she enjoyed keeping a journal of the books she had read. She went on many adventures to Disney World, Sea World and Busch Gardens with her friends. Susan was a very caring and loving individual who brought joy to everyone she met. She never met a stranger. She was quick to wave and blow you a kiss. Her smile was a ray of sunshine to us all. She loved watching Golden Girls, and I don’t think we could ever watch another episode without thinking about Suzy! Her favorite sayings were, "You're so good for my ego" and "Oh boy!" Her love for her friends and family is unforgettable.
Susan is predeceased by her parents, Anne and James and her brother, Jimmy. She is survived by her family member, Barbara Weiss, many cousins living around the country and her best friend, Angela Rios and family of Bradenton, FL. The family would like to send a special thank you to Susan's companions, Anne Pompey, Rebecca Morales, Mr. and Mrs. Mark von Fossen and Louise Rios, whom she adored. Susan had two special friends she enjoyed seeing the most, Stacey Quaid, from Bringing Up Down Syndrome and Karen Prosper Davenport, from Easter Seals.
A Memorial Service will be held to Celebrate Susan's Life 2:30 PM, Sunday, March 5, 2023, at Central Christian Church, 4304 32nd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Please join us for dessert following the service. Memorial funds can be sent to Special Olympics Florida - Manatee County, 3657 Cortez Road West, Suite 120, Bradenton, FL 34210.
Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
