Audrey Gabriel

Audrey Helen Gabriel, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, peacefully passed away at her residence on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the age of 94. She was born on March 3, 1928, in McComb, Mississippi, to the late George and Irene Collins.  Audrey was valedictorian of her Hammond High School class, and graduated from Southeastern Louisiana University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics.  She taught Home Ec. at Ponchatoula High School, was an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Ponchatoula, and was also a proud Board member of Westminster Place.  She was a Cub Scout leader for years, heavily involved with Meals on Wheels, and assisted with caring for the butterfly garden in Ponchatoula.  Audrey was a great cook and loved entertaining family and friends.  She was a consummate caregiver in every aspect, from taking care of her family and friends to anyone who was in need.  Strength and devotion fully characterized her persona.  Her greatest joy in life was being with her family making lasting memories with them. She is already deeply missed.

Audrey is survived by her daughter Lynn Gabriel Knight and her husband Larry Knight, son John W. Gabriel, son Robert “Bob” Gabriel and his wife Stacie King Gabriel; grandchildren: Jodie Knight Thompson and Clay Thompson, Stacy Knight Adams, Will Knight, Laura Gabriel Gentile and Andy Gentile, Julia Gabriel Weber and Morgan Weber, Jasmin Sziber Wild and J.D. Wild, Devin Gabriel and Chanc Kinchen; and great-grandchildren: Alex Thompson Gauthier and Brandon Gauthier, Gabby Thompson, Kate Thompson, Libby Thompson, Cole Adams, Morgan Adams, Eli Weber, Faires Weber, Lily Wild, and Lincoln Kinchen.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry Joseph Gabriel, Jr., and son Harry James Gabriel.

Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation at First Presbyterian Church of Ponchatoula, 197 South 4th Street, on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM.  At 11:00 AM, Reverend Aaron Gordon will be officiating the Celebration of Life Service.  Interment will follow at Wetmore Cemetery in Ponchatoula.

In lieu of flowers, the Gabriel family requests that gifts be made in Audrey’s honor to First Presbyterian Church of Ponchatoula (www.PonchatoulaPres.org), or to The University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Leukemia Department (www.MDAnderson.org).

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home. An online guest book is available at www.HarryMcKneely.com.

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