Bessie Mae Burtch Gabriel, 84, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at her home, on Monday, June 26, 2023, while surrounded by her loving family in Slidell.

Bessie was born October 28, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to William and Laura Burtch. In 1979 she moved to Slidell with her husband, where she raised her two daughters, and helped raise six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. Mrs. Gabriel was a loving wife and mother, with a special heart that cared for children. For over forty years, she helped support families through St. Jude Childrens Hospital. She was an inspiration to many and will be sorely missed.

She was preceded in death by a daughter, Elizabeth Averette; granddaughter, Nicole Averette; brother, Frederick Burch; sister, Pat Marchand

She is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert Gabriel; one daughter, Linda Gabriel; five grandchildren, Warren Danner (Carmen), Betsy Johnson (Kelly), Lacy Lagarde (Jimmy), Don Cameron, Crystal Cameron; and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Mrs Gabriel will be buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Slidell at a private family service.

The family asked that memorial gifts be made to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in memory of Mrs. Gabriel.