Cora Marie Gabriel

Cora Mary Murphy Gabriel (96) of Blue Ridge, GA passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024 at her home. She was born on July 12, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio to Ronald and Valeria Gallo Murphy. She married Joseph Thomas Gabriel on June 5, 1949 in New Castle, PA, he preceded her in death. She co-owned and operated the Econ-O-Crest Dry Cleaners and Laundromat for 18 years in New Castle, PA, before moving to Boynton Beach, FL in 1983. She was an accomplished bookkeeper for J.C. Penney for 10 years and then was the bookkeeper for Pulse Medical, her daughter and son-in-law's business in Davie, FL and she followed the company to Blue Ridge, GA 2011 until she retired in 2016.

She was a woman with strong faith and devotion to God. She was devoted to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved tending to the plants and flowers in her greenhouse and yard. She was a champion at playing Rummikub and taught and challenged her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to play the game.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Ronald Murphy, Reginald Murphy, Richard Murphy, James Murphy and her sister, Beatrice Murphy Grossman; a daughter-in-law, Mary Kathleen Reilly Gabriel, and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her seven children: Joseph J. Gabriel, of Tampa, FL; Barbara R. (Gordy) Boyce, of Blue Ridge, GA with whom she made her home; Thomas A. (Diane) Gabriel, of New Castle, PA; Robert J. (Delphine) Gabriel, of Disputants, VA; Rebecca A. (John) Congdon, of Boynton Beach, FL; Janice M. (Thomas) Nork, of San Antonio, TX, and Deborah M. (Stephen) Hallacy, of Canton, GA.

She is also survived by her 22 grandchildren: Joshua (Tracy) Gabriel of Charlotte, NC; Matthew Gabriel of Tucson, AZ; Erin Gabriel of Tampa, FL; Colin Gabriel of Evansville, IN; Todd (Jessica) Gabriel of Ellwood City, PA; Timothy (Adrian) Gabriel of Port Huron, MI; Travis (Tiffany) Gabriel of Sumter, SC; Tonya (Chris) Richards of Holly Hill, SC; Delphina (Jason) Varner of Youngstown, OH; Robert Gabriel Jr. of Escondido, CA; Joseph (Jennifer) Gabriel of Columbus, OH; Colette (Jacob) Johnson of Reynoldsburg, OH; Philomena Gabriel of Palmetto, FL; Marcel Gabriel of Bradenton, FL; Peter Gabriel of Palmetto, FL; Jennifer (John) Zuehlsdorff of West Palm Beach, FL; James Congdon of Boynton Beach, FL; Kristina (Benedikt) Henkel of Spartanburg, SC; Stephanie (Austin) Clevenger of Bessemer, AL; Margaret (Daniel) Hurst of San Antonio, TX; Andrew Wirick of Charlotte, NC and Amber Wirick of Holly Springs, NC.

Also surviving are her 20 great-grandchildren: Cameron Gabriel (Charlotte, NC); Dalton & Carly Gabriel (Ellwood City, PA); Tate & Ty Gabriel (Port Huron, MI); Addyson & Emmalyn Gabriel (Sumter, SC): Jaxson, Lucas & Zachary Richards (Holly Hill, SC); Ewan, Eva, Emily, Eloise & Eleanor Varner (Youngstown, OH); Liam Gabriel (Bradenton, FL); Cora & Grace Zuehlsdorff (West Palm Beach, FL); and Henry & Eva Clevenger (Bessemer, AL).

A Graveside Service officiated by Deacon Andy Plucinski will take place at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, 10941 Southern Blvd, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.

Special thanks to Debbie Kaylor her loving caregiver and friend for the past year!

Special thanks to Jennifer Bryant and Elizabeth Antaya for making her feel special and beautiful every week!