No words.  I’ve been sad and shocked for the whole week.  I’ve called and texted and emailed. 
Thought I’d finally see you today to light candles for mynBEAUTIFUL cousin. Inside and out.  
Then I woke up
In severe pain (surgery tomorrow)
but we were coming anyway. 
Then the Storm. Then the heavy rain and I just couldn’t do it. 

I hope you will forgive me. I really loved her and we had fun times. She was the fun one always. 
The Cousins Reuniom, the Misericordia Christmas Brunch, Ally’s Jewekry Party and taking Jason on Vacation with us. 
Dinner at her house with all the little kids.  
She was AMAZING ❤️🌺❤️🌺❤️
I don’t know HOW this could have happened.  
Never should have.  LOVE….

I had the pleasure of working with Barb at Hillcrest. I always admired the way she advocated for her students' needs with clarity and genuine care. She was an excellent teacher with a kind heart who both modeled and taught respect.

My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone who knew and loved her.

We are more than friends, we are family.

Ya-Ya sisterhood.

Diane, Wax, Fox, Nancy

We shared a lifetime of memories, laughter , travel and a loyal bond.

Ya-Ya sisterhood ,

Fox,  Nancy, Diane and Wax

Our friendships started at Caldwell Elementary School in Chicago.
                              A sisterhood that endured  for decades.
                                               A rare life anchor.
                         Ya-Ya's,    Diane,  " Wax",  "Fox". and Nancy

                                                Quebéc ,Canada

To Barb's Family,
I was so sorry to learn of your mom's passing. We've been across-the-courtyard neighbors in the Farmingdale community for more years than seem possible. Up until about a year and a half ago, Barb and my husband Jeff, along with several other from our community, were the driving forces in developing and maintaining the "gardens of Farmingdale". That's how we became friends. Barb was a gracious lady who always involved herself in our community and showed how much she valued  the beauty of her surroundings. She will be missed. 
May your  memories of her bring peace to your heart.
Patricia Oliver

I will miss Barb in my life. May she rest forever in God's loving arms.
My condolences to all the family.

we had a great connection with the love that we have for our children, Danny and Alli. Before you knew it, we all became family, through their beautiful marriage.

this is the first time that I met Barb, and we immediately realized we connected.💖

Miss Gabel was my fourth-grade teacher about 20 years ago. I will always remember her humor, personal interest in her students, and the encouragement she provided me throughout elementary school. Miss Gabel was one of the first teachers I truly felt understood by. She encouraged me to read and write more often, and helped me to feel like I had some academic worth. 

There were a few deaths in my extended family during elementary school, and Miss Gabel was tremendously kind in how she sought to help me. Whether it was direct check-ins or brightening my day with her humor, she was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult and confusing period. Even after I left fourth-grade, Miss Gabel would check in on me in the halls.

Over the years, I ran into her a few times when I would visit home. I was always astonished that she recognized me, remembered my fourth-grade Halloween costume, and asked about my family by name. I will always remember her as a kind, caring, and dedicated teacher and person. She remains a role model for other students and me. 

I extend my deepest condolences to her family and friends. She frequently celebrated her kids' achievements in class and when we ran into each other in recent years. I hope that you know she was overwhelmingly proud of you. 

Miss Gabel led a life worth emulating and will be deeply missed.

Hi Karen!
Please add obituary to the site. 

Barbara Lynn Gabel July 31, 1946 – August 6, 2026

“We are all cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” - Ray Bradbury

Barbara Lynn Gabel, of Darien, IL, passed away on August 6, 2026, days following a celebration of her 80th birthday, where the gift she cherished most was being surrounded by her family.

Born on July 31, 1946, in Chicago, IL, to the late Dorothy and Peter Caravassos, Barbara lived a vibrant life—her cup overflowing with love and care for others, which she generously shared with everyone around her. Barbara was a free spirit, creative and curious about the world. She expressed these passions throughout her career as an elementary school teacher at Hillcrest School in Downers Grove, as well as through her participation in book clubs, volunteering, and embarking on adventures large and small with her many longtime friends. Some of her favorite travels included journeys to Paris, Greece, Quebec City, Los Angeles to visit her grandsons, and Jamaica for her daughter’s wedding.

Most of all, she was deeply devoted to her children, grandchildren, and family. They were blessed by her kind heart, enduring care, and the many treasured moments spent laughing, enjoying animated conversations, shopping, celebrating life milestones, and experiencing the pure joy of being together.

Lovingly remembered by her son Jason (Sybil) Gabel; daughter Allison (Daniel) Buntrock; adored grandchildren Alexander and Leo; “big sis” Dorothea (Dennis) Broniecki; loving nieces and their families; cousins; and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Barbara's memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate.

What can one say about missing such a big personality like Barb? Barb was one of a triad of 5th grade teachers at Hillcrest School. I was one of those teachers. There are too many memories to list here, but suffice to say we shared many thoughts, laughs, tears and everything in-between  throughout those days.  Barb's quick wit, smile and valued good advice will stay with me always. She was not only a colleague , but also a friend who will be sorely missed.

May the gift of memories and the love of family and friends help you through this difficult time.

Most sincerely , Kathleen Klinnert

Lounging  at the back of  the Cruise ship with Barb and watching a group of dolphins follow behind in our wake was a treasured magical moment.

Happy memories with Barb and her colleagues crabbing together in St. George Inlet in Alaska.

Bears were not plentiful,  so Barb shopped around a gift store and spotted some.

June 2011 Barb traveled to
Alaska for a cruise with teaching friends, Linda Swift,Claudia & Mike Feeney. Linda and Barb celebrated with a lovely bottle of wine in their cabin.

Auntie Barb was an amazing bonus mom. I’ll miss her phone calls and her laugh. She was always a big support to me, but especially over the past 5 years. I already miss her terribly.  May her memory be a blessing.

So sorry for your loss.  My best friend’s sister that I’ve know over 45 years.  All the ups and downs, your mom was a trouper.  She loved her two children and adored her two grandsons.  She was fun to be with and will be missed.  We’ll see her again, of that I have no doubt.  God bless

Love, Fran & Rich

OBITUARY

Barbara Lynn Gabel

July 31, 1946 – August 6, 2026

Blake-Lamb Funeral Home

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