Eliot, ME, - Beloved wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend Gabrielle Konovalchik, 85, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Tuesday, November 8, 2011. Gabrielle was the loving wife of her late husband, Andy Konovalchik, with whom she shared 52 years of marriage.
Born and raised in Maine, the daughter of the late Paul and Leontine (Desmaris) Roberge, Gabrielle graduated from Lewiston High School in 1944. After high school Gabrielle, known affectionately as “Gabby” to her family and friends, attended Nursing School in Winthrop, MA. She worked as a LPN for several years at Winthrop Hospital. It was during this time she met her beloved husband.
Once Gabby had her first child, she devoted all her time and love to her family. Raising her family on Burnham Road in Peabody, she opened her home and her heart to all the children in the neighborhood. Children were always welcome in her home, and she made sure they were always taken care of. She was an avid reader and could often be found sitting in her front yard with a book in hand waiting for the children to return from school.
Being married to a former football star and football coach, Gabby was also a huge sports enthusiast. She especially loved watching college football. She took much pride and joy in watching her children and grandchildren compete in athletics.
Gabby had several very dear friends who would visit with her often and spend many hours at her kitchen table over coffee talking about life, love and children. Being of French-Canadian descent she was fluent in French and would use her beautiful voice to sing traditional French songs to her children at bedtime. She loved and taught all her children the song Frére Jacques.
As a grandmother Gabby was lovingly known as Mémère to not only her own grandchildren, but any child who had the joy to meet her. Gabby and Andy spent their time later in their marriage doting over their 10 grandchildren. Her love and joy filled her home where ever she was.
Gabby is survived by: daughter Patricia Konovalchik-Miller and husband John Miller Jr. of Eliot, ME; daughter Jill Locke and husband Darryl Locke Of Lynn, MA; daughter Sandy Thomas-Kaszuba and husband Joe Kaszuba of South Berwick, ME.; son Alex Konovalchik and wife Sheila Konovalchik of North Andover, MA; and son Chris Konovalchik of Eliot, ME.; sister Georgette Simard of North Reading, MA; sister Aliette Allen and husband George Allen of Peru, ME.; sister-in-law Phyllis Luzinski and husband Edward Luzinski of Salem, MA.; and Grandchildren: Derek Locke, Jason Locke, Christina Konovalchik, Victoria Konovalchik, Lyndsay Konovalchik, Miah Pergolizzi, Nadia Konovalchik, Andrew Konovalchik, Nicholas Konovalchik and Tanya Thomas. Great Grandchildren: Taylor Mackin and Chloe Mackin.
Visiting hours will be Sunday, Nov. 13, 2011, from 3 to 6 pm at the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem with a service to be held in the funeral home on Monday, Nov. 14 at 9:30 am. A committal service will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem..Relatives and friends respectfully invited. For on-line guestbook and directions, visit www.SalemFuneral.com