Kathleen Connolly Gabel

Kathleen Connolly Gabel, known affectionately as Mema, passed away in the arms of her two daughters, Gina Marie Kaiserski and Lisa Dawn DiGiacomo, and her granddaughter Jessica Kathleen DiGiacomo, in her home, on Sept. 27, 2011.

She recently celebrated her 64th birthday where she was surrounded by the love of her friends and family and had the opportunity to say goodbye to all. She is a huge part of all of our hearts and we all loved her so very much. We will miss her strength and comforting ways, along with her beautiful soul and spirit.

She was born on Aug. 25, 1947 to James Edward Connolly and Margaret Winger Connolly of Los Angeles, Calif. She was the youngest of three children and is survived by her sister Helen Connolly Provine and her brother Daniel Christopher Connolly. She grew up in Los Angeles where she attended St. Mary’s Academy and Dorsey High school.

She married Richard John DiGiacomo and together they had three children, Gina Marie Kaiserski, Richard John DiGiacomo Jr., and Lisa Dawn DiGiacomo. She was the proud Mema, grandmother, to Jessica Kathleen DiGiacomo, Jacob Joseph Kaiserski and Kendall DiGiacomo and is survived by her husband of 26 years, Robert Gene Gabel.

She bravely experienced 13 years of serious illness including multiple myeloma and never once gave up hope. She courageously went through three bone marrow transplants, the last one being successful and prolonging her life, thanks to her donor and brother Daniel Christopher Connolly. She was a woman to be admired; her courage and strength was evident to all. She fought each and every day with a smile on her face.

She created a warm and loving home and loved to work in her garden. She loved all pets, especially her two dogs Tilly and Tito. She loved reading books and learning new things. She and her best friend, Laura Oreskovich, once owned a book store together in Hillside Village called “The Book Cellar.”

Private services were held on Catalina Island Oct. 27, 2011, where her ashes were scattered just outside of Avalon Bay. She is free now and at peace. She is able to walk, run, breath and garden with the Lord. We will always miss and love her and she will continue to be a huge piece of all of our hearts and souls forever.