Betty “Yiayia” Gabriel

AUGUSTA – Our beloved Betty “Yiayia” Gabriel, passed away at age 90 surrounded by family on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, at the Maine Veterans Home. She was born in Puerto Rico on Nov. 7, 1933, daughter of the late Alejandro and Sophia (Hermida) Ramirez; siblings, Alexandro Ramirez, and Wilda Shaboyan.

At age 12 she moved to New York City with her family. She graduated from Julia Richmond High School in NYC and in 1951 met her husband Harold Gabriel and they married. They lived in Albertson, N.Y., where their three daughters, Dina, Sophia, and Laura were born.

In 1965, they moved to Maine and eventually found their forever home on “the hill with the big tree” at 391 Civic Center Drive.

Betty’s passion was her family and community. She loved her family, raised three daughters while being employed at Alex’s Restaurant in Augusta. She knew everyone who came in, greeted them with a smile and got to know their families. She made lasting friendships with her wonderful smile, Puerto Rican accent and uncensored humorous comments.

Involved in the Elks, Betty helped to reorganize the women’s Emblem Club. She began working at the Kennebec County Registry and dedicated 35 years of service and became the Deputy Registrar until she retired at the age of 78.

Many knew her as Betty, but to her family and friends it was Yiayia. She had a strong will, a deep rooted passion for living, nurturing, and loving her family which we will remember always. In her later years, she talked about being reunited with her late husband, Harold who died in 2008, calling him her ’Greek God’. They are dancing together and singing “I love you, up to the moon”. She will be missed beyond measure.

She is survived by her three daughters, Dina of Brooklyn, N.Y., and her children by her late husband George Orio, Andrea Gabriel Orio, Daniel Gabriel Orio and Matthew Gabriel Orio; Sophia Gabriel and Russell Turner of Harpswell, their son John Gabriel Turner, wife Tara Turner, great-granddaughter, Quincy; Laura Gabriel her partner Mike Maxim; her daughter Melissa Gabriel Mann, her sons, Justin Gabriel Wing, great grandson Arlo Justin Wing, and Brandon Robert Wing.

The family wishes to express our appreciation to the medical staff at the Maine Veterans Home, healthcare providers, Andwell Health Partners and Augusta, Beacon Hospice organization for their dedication and compassionate care.

At her request, there will be no public visiting hours. Private burial and committal prayers will be held at the convenience of the family at the Maine Veterans Cemetery in Augusta.

Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 16 Pleasant St., Augusta.

Condolences, stories, and photos may be shared through the funeral home website at: http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to your Hospice of choice and/or the Maine Veterans Home.