Joann Gabriel

JoAnn Wagner Gabriel, 85, formerly of West Reading, passed away late the evening of Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in the care of Phoebe Berks, with her loving children by her side. She was the wife of Theodore "Ted" Gabriel, with whom she shared over 64 years of marriage.

Born in Pottsville to the late Francis J. and Alice (Bosche) Wagner, JoAnn graduated from Pottsville High School in 1957. She graduated from the Reading Hospital School of Nursing in 1960 and spent the early part of her career as a registered nurse at Reading Hospital. As she and Ted raised their family, JoAnn transitioned to private practice and worked with several local orthopedic surgeons. Subsequently she provided nursing for the Reading-Muhlenberg Vocational Technical school. Later she followed her passion for early childhood development and worked with the Berks County Intermediate Unit and with Easter Seals.

The Gabriels loved their local West Reading community, and they volunteered at the polls for many years. JoAnn was also very involved at St. James UCC during her children's youth. While her career was important to her, JoAnn's highest priority was her family. She loved ensuring her children were raised with fun and joy. JoAnn retired not long after Ted, and they continued to travel together and treasure time as a family.

Left to cherish JoAnn's memory is her beloved husband, Ted; their daughters, Ann Elizabeth Gabriel Ziemacki, wife of Richard L. Ziemacki, and Lora Gabriel Abramowitch, wife of Jay N. Abramowitch; granddaughter, Gabrielle Jane Ziemacki; and grand-dog, Hanky. JoAnn is also survived by her brother, Richard J. Wagner. She was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth (Wagner) Lohr.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in JoAnn's memory may be offered to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, https://www.michaeljfox.org/.

Services for JoAnn will be held on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home, Inc, 739 Penn Avenue, West Reading PA 19611, with committal to follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the service at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.