Genevieve "Gege" Gabriel

Genevieve "Gege" Phillips Gabriel, 67, of Denver, NC passed away peacefully the morning of December 31, with the love of her family around her.

Gege was born in Cincinnati, OH on February 4, 1957.  She was a proud graduate of Withrow High School, Class of '75, where she was remembered for her bright smile, big heart, love of dance, and her adventurous life.

At the young age of 18, she left Cincinnati for Quinlan Marine Attractions in Pumpkin Center, NC to learn how to train dolphins.  Her first week there, she met the love of her life Tommy.  He was quick to "show her some Southern Hospitality".

After touring around different theme parks with the Skipper and Dolly Show, Gege decided to set her roots in Denver, NC.  It was there that she went on to work for Duke Power as one of the first women instrument fitters.  Later learning that she was pregnant, she thought it was best to be a homemaker and swim coach at Cowans Ford Country Club.  When her daughter Dacey started school, she became a substitute teacher and interim art teacher all over Lincoln County.  She dedicated her summers to teaching children how to swim, by teaching most of the eastern part of Lincoln County.

Gege had a passion for life, a humorous personality, and could bring a smile to your face even on your darkest days.  She was a loving mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt.  She had a beautiful soul and would help anyone.  She was incredibly creative and would say "I can't spell it but I can draw it", as well as "Give me a gin and tonic and I can make anything".

Gege will be deeply missed by her family and friends for her contagious laughter, her "life lessons", and amazing cooking skills.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Dacey (Tripp) Reynolds, her favorite granddaughter Evie Grace Reynolds, her mother Genevieve "Jean" Phillips, sister Meg (Barry) Arnold, brother George (Jenny) Phillips, sister Suzy "Dan" McGuire, brother Michael (Joan) Phillips, and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, and grand nephews.

Gege is preceded in death by her husband of 46 years Thomas "Tommy" Gabriel and her father George Phillips.

Memorial donations in Gege's name may be made to VIA Hospice Palliative Care, Lincoln County.

The family wishes to send a very special thank you to Erica, Jessie, Kelli, Morlee, and Chaplin Chris.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10:00am - 12:00pm, at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 12:00pm. The memorial service will be livestreamed and may be viewed below or by clicking LIVESTREAM.

Online memories and condolences may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com