Brenda Jean (Straughan) Gabriel, 65, of Nashua, NH, wife of Robert L. “Gabe” Gabriel, Jr., passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, April 29, 2023. Her life’s journey ended at the Community Hospice House in Merrimack, NH after a period of declining health.
Born in Lowell, MA on January 22, 1958, Brenda was a daughter of the late George T. and Theresa E. (Boucher) Straughan. She grew up in Pelham, NH, where she attended St. Patrick Catholic School, Alvirne High School in Hudson, and graduated from Pelham High School, Class of 1976. She loved science and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Rivier College, Class of 1980; and served as president of the Science Club. Brenda also completed studies in Medical Technology at the Cambridge Hospital in 1981.
Brenda was a certified Medical Technologist through the American Society of Clinical Pathology and worked for 37 years in the laboratory at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, formerly Nashua Memorial Hospital, in Nashua, NH. Brenda genuinely enjoyed her career and retired in 2020. She also served as a past President of the Nashua Area Artists’ Association.
An artist at heart, Brenda wielded her paintbrush with the same care and precision she used when sewing, knitting, cooking, or crocheting. Her art was as vibrant and beautiful as her spirit, and her creations warmed the hearts, feet, and homes of those fortunate to receive them.
As the mother of two beautiful daughters, a grandmother to four incredible grandchildren, and one of eight siblings, Brenda was no stranger to chaos and joy of a big family. Somehow, amidst the pandemonium, she managed to cultivate a garden full of life and color, just as she did with her own family.
Members of her family include her husband of 41 years, Gabe, her daughters and their spouses, Shannon J. and Carlos Disla of Milford, NH, Amanda R. and Michael Matera of Nashua, NH; her grandchildren, Violet and Gabriel Matera, and Vincent and Ashley Disla; three sisters, Judith A. Demarais and her husband George of Derry, NH, Rose M. Flores and her husband Luis of Port St. Lucie, FL, and Laura A. Masson and her husband Douglas of Pelham, NH; four brothers, Daniel D. Straughan and his wife Sue of Manchester, NH, Michael E. Straughan of Nashua, NH, David S. Straughan of Pelham, NH, and Thomas P. Straughan of Nashua, NH, who is deceased; a special cousin, Patty Ledoux of Nashua, NH; a close niece and her husband, Michelle and Frank DiMartino of Mont Vernon, NH; and a wonderful friend, Brenda Bellerose of Nashua, NH.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Southern New Hampshire Medical Center, Courville at Nashua, Tufts Medical Center in Boston and the Community Hospice House in Merrimack for their exceptional care, kindness and support to Brenda.
Her family will receive relatives and friends at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua on Wednesday, May 10th from 3 to 6 p.m. A private celebration of her life will be held for her family on a later date. Donations may be made in Brenda’s memory to the Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com
