Obituary of Barbara Anne Gabriel

Barbara Ann Gabriel passed away on October 12th, 2012 in Camas, Washington, at the age of 53 after struggling with Multiple System Atrophy for 6 years. Barbara was born on June 4th, 1959 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Richard and Alice Gabriel. She graduated from Stevenson High School, Stevenson, Washington, in 1977 where she was a Peer Counselor, participated in sports, and had many friends. Her First Place Diving Record from the 1970s still stands. Barbara was a paramedic with the Skamania County Ambulance Service and worked for the U.S. Agricultural Nursery in Stabler, Washington. She was studying to be a nurse when she was diagnosed in 2006 with Multiple System Atrophy, the incurable degenerative disease that took her life. Barbara had a love of animals and country life and was a devoted Christian. She would find something to do outside for every season, whether it was hunting for chanterelle mushrooms in the spring, picking blue berries during the summer, canning venison in the fall, or storing up firewood for when the power goes out in the winter. She had a quirky sense of humor and right up to the end she was able to laugh when not able to speak. Barbara is survived by her three children, Ensign, Aaron M. Stroup U.S.N. of Bremerton, Washington, Lorne D. Stroup of Honolulu, Hawaii, and Alona A. Stroup of Bremerton, Washington, mother Alice Gabriel, of Washougal, Washington, brothers Kevin Gabriel and Richard Gabriel, of Carson, Washington, John Gabriel, of Corvallis, Oregon, and many nieces and nephews. A private memorial is planned for a later date, in lieu of flowers, the family requests those desiring to honor Barbara to do so by donating to Hospice South West or the charity of their choice. Straub's Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas was in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.