Gabriella Maria Brownfield

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gabriella Maria Brownfield, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and passionate community member, who left us peacefully at the age of 83. Gabriella was born on November 28, 1942 to Alfonso Paternoster and Emma Clauser, in San Blasio Val di Non in Trentino-Alto Adige region in Northern Italy and spent a life filled with love, adventure, and service.

Gabriella entered eternal life on October 30, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents Alfonso Paternoster and Emma Clauser, her spouse, William, her Mother and Father-in Law, Gladys and William Brownfield, her eldest son, Samuel Alfonso Brownfield, daughter in law, Cassandra Lorraine Brownfield (nee Stone), siblings Paolina Paternoster (Mario Luchi), Rosa Maria Anna Paternoster (Silvio Zanoni), Guiseppe Paternoster, Renato Paternoster (Denis), Lina Paternoster (Luciano Floretta), Rita Floretta (nee Paternoster), brothers-in-law Giovanni Verber and Claudio Lorenzoni. She is survived by her children, Michael William Brownfield (Tammy), Sandra Maria Crowe (Keith), Mark Bryan Brownfield (Sara), and her siblings Carmela, Pompeo (Pina) and Guiliana Paternoster.

Raised in Northern Italy, the 8th of ten children in the town of Romallo. She was surrounded in love by her parents, siblings, Godchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was a beautician and opened her salon in the lower level of her family home. It was in this very salon where she earned the nickname “Biondi” where amongst her first clients, was a group of young boys that she turned them all into blondes, a small town scandal, that was still talked about a half century later.

She was married for 59 wonderful years to the love of her life, Bill. He affectionately referred to her as GiGio. Together, they built a beautiful family that includes their four children. A true adventurer at heart, Gabriella and Bill traveled the world, exploring breathtaking landscapes in Alaska, Hawaii, Utah, California, Ohio and many other states, international destinations including Canada, Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland to name a few. They continued traveling into their 80s visiting family and friends along the way. Her love for travel inspired many unforgettable family stories and treasured memories.

Beyond her travels, Gabriella was deeply involved in her community, Dogtown where she planted her roots living in the same home for 58 years. She was a dedicated Cub Scout leader, Girl Scout leader, guiding young minds toward growth and adventure. In her church, she has been a long-time member of the Rosary Sodality and the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. She was also a long-time member of the St. Louis Bocce Club, a valued team member who brought dedication and heart to every season.

Gabriella’s legacy lives on through her five grandchildren: Mason McGavock (Abigail); William Brownfield (Tommi Jo), Jacob Brownfield, Luke Brownfield, and Lillian Brownfield and her cherished great-grandchildren, Azalea, Isaac and Liam Brownfield. She is also remembered fondly by Thatcher, who brought immense joy to her life. To them she will always be “Nonna”!!

Gabriella had many talents (sewing, knitting, embroidery, gardening, cooking to name a few). She enjoyed gardening most especially and her yard was a source of pride with vibrant roses, flowers, a vegetable garden, figs, a grape pergola and other things throughout the years where she spent countless hours and fed many people with her harvests.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Her family reflects on the promise that love remains, and that God’s presence walks with us even through sorrow—toward peace.

She will be remembered for her devotion in faith, her kindness, her perseverance, and the joy she brought through family traditions, community service and her unwavering love. She will be missed deeply by her family and friends, whose lives she touched with kindness, laughter and love.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Visitation from 8:30-9:30 am followed by the Funeral Mass to be held at 9:30 am on November 5, 2026 at St. James the Greater Church in Dogtown 6401 Wade Avenue St. Louis, MO 63139. Interment immediately following at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Gabriella's memory to the ALS Association would be greatly appreciated by her family.

Please leave a fond memory of Gabriella for her family to cherish at the "Add a Memory" link below.