Mary Gabriel

Mary A. Gabriel (Kollmer) of Dix Hills, NY, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2024, at the age of 94.  Born on June 1, 1929, in Hicksville, NY to Joseph and Christina Kollmer, Mary was a woman characterized by her love, kindness, and generosity to everyone. 

Mary was predeceased by her husband Robert E. Gabriel (dec. 1987), whom she wed on February 15, 1947. Together, they raised their two children, Robert & Christine, in Plainview, NY. Later on, they established their residence in their dream home in Dix Hills, NY, designed by Mary herself on a paper bag! As the big sister to her four siblings - Joseph (1979), Jane, Daniel (2020) and Kathleen - Mary spent her formative years with her mom, aunts and sisters at the family-owned Happy Farm Farmstand in Hicksville, readying fruits, vegetables and plants for customers. She also enjoyed playing card games with her family, and passed that love to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Of all the roles, titles, and relationships Mary held throughout her years, the one she embodied the best was "Gigi." As Gigi, she leaves behind the most tangible examples of what love truly is. Mary was a woman who never sat still and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed it. She was able to take charge of any situation but preferred to be actively engaged in all circumstances.

Mary is survived by her daughter Tina (Richie) Glander, her grandchildren Kristina (Matt), Jason (Kristy), Juliann (Randy), Johnny and Erika (Mike) and her great-grandchildren Mattie, Nicky, Jason, Ryan, Haleigh, Mikey, Mason, Ava and Kathleen.  She is predeceased by her son Robert (2023) and his wife Kathy (2013). 

Visitation for Mary will be held at Mangano Funeral Home of Deer Park at 1701 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, NY, on Friday, April 26, 2024 from 2:00PM to 4:30PM, and again from 7:00PM to 9:30PM.  A Funeral Mass will take place at 9:45AM on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Saint Matthew R.C. Church, located at 35 N. Service Road, in Dix Hills, NY.  Immediately following, Mary will be laid to rest at St. Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Mary's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:  https://www.stjude.org/donate