Gabrielle Marie Roberge

Gabrielle Marie Roberge went to be with Jesus 1-30-2018. Her passing was peaceful with her family surrounding her, saying prayers at her bedside, holding her hands, kissing her and most of all thanking her for her sacrifices, love, support and teaching them her values and faith.

Gabrielle was widowed at the age of 31 and chose to raise her children alone as she felt no man could live up to her beloved Arthur. Many years later, after raising her children and helping raise her grandchildren she found another love of her life, Chester Malis, at her then age of 68 and his then age of 59 (together 15 years until his passing 2013). Chester loved her and took her places she had never been (Las Vegas several time, Disney World, seeing the space shuttle take off) and even paid off her home in Cantonment after building her chicken coop, goat stalls, shed, deck to the house, underground water to the pastures, carport and flower beds. They were happy in Cantonment with their goats and chickens until Chester's health started failing, then for 5 years Gabrielle nursed and loved Chester until his passing 3-23-2013.

Gabrielle's faith was strong as was her moral character and ethics, she was a no nonsense woman and fearless: She made sure her children knew God would always be there for them and she managed to send her children to private school at St. Johns elementary with church attendance every Sunday.

If Gabrielle saw a need she was the first to help. It did not matter what the need was, she was there. She would bring food to family, friends and strangers, pay your bills if on hard times, watch your children or clean your house. She often assisted the elderly with meals and cleaning their homes and those who had no one to turn to knew Gabrielle would help them if asked but if she was aware you were in need no asking was required, she was there to the rescue. She was the most selfless woman, always putting her children and family first.

Gabrielle had a zest for life. If she wasn't in her vegetable garden she was cleaning her beautiful chicken eggs or possibly riding her tractor mowing her 4 acres (it took her a week but she did a little bit each day until it was done and she maintained all of this up to the age of 84 all the while she would have a smile on her face and be whistling like a bird. Her motto was: "stop worrying, give it up to God", she always taught us to pray but not for treasures, she taught us to pray for strength to know right from wrong and to love your neighbor (she loved all religious faiths). Gabrielle often said if people were less selfish the World would be a better place and she warned "greed was the most evil sin" as she knew how greed corrupted people. She led by example, not words and all who knew her and were in her life knew this to be true.

Gabrielle was proceeded in death by her husband, Dr. Arthur Urban Roberge (Navy LT, MC); her parents, Adelard and Marie Antoinette Gauthier; brothers Noel (Jane) Gauthier, Paul (Mary) Gauthier, Rosaire (Connie) Gauthier and sister Marion (Ken) Williams. She is survived by her sisters, Simonne Griswold and Jean (Robert) Ianni. Her children; Christina (Ray) Levesque, Charlene (Bruce) Hartshorn, Lorna Spires, Venise Hubacher, Bert (Carol) Roberge and Justin (Scott) Roberge. Her grandchildren; Jason (Deanna) Gilmore, John (Renee) Hartshorn, Ashley (Jared) Shipley, Russell (Katie) Hartshorn, Alan Roberge, Michael Levesque, Jena (Kenny) Mendenhall, Joshua Roberge and great grandchildren; Sydney (Jenuz) Rojas, Jayden and Jake Gilmore, Brianna & Lauren Hartshorn, Caitlyn and Raphael Pereira, Audrey and William Shipley and Jasmaine, Jena Marie and Alexandria Roberge and Lillie Mears Hartshorn.

Special thanks to Emerald Gardens Assisted Living Facility, 1012 N. 72nd Ave., Pensacola, FL 32506 for their loving, personal care by the care-givers, staff, RN, owners and chefs and to Emerald Coast Hospice nurse and cna. Gabrielle was well cared for and the facility was home to her. Every day she ate breakfast, lunch and dinner with her friends in a beautiful dinning room. Gabrielle was blessed with a new family as the patrons and staff all loved her and showed it daily with their kindness, conversations and care. God Bless you all for your dedication, care and true love as often you are the only family many of these souls have. Gabrielle's family is eternally grateful to you all for your love and kindness.

funeral date and time:

Thursday 2-22-2018 11:00 Oak Lawn Funeral Home Service

Celebration of her life at 12:00 with light refreshments

Funeral procession 1:00 to NAS Pensacola cemetery

1:30 graveside ceremony (15 minutes)