Doris J. Gabler

Doris J. Gabler, 98, a resident of Elk Haven Nursing Home and formerly of Sorg Street, St. Marys, died on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the nursing home.

She was born on September 8, 1919, a daughter of the late Joseph E. and Clara A. Lecker Herzing. Doris graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1937.

On November 27, 1941, in St. Marys Church, she married Leander "Lee" Gabler, who preceded her in death on January 26, 2005.

Doris worked at Central Drug Store and Keystone Carbon Company until 1944, when she quit to raise her family.  For the next 21 years, she volunteered at the St. Marys Parochial and Elk County Christian school cafeterias, also serving as Publicity Secretary for the ECC school board.  In 1965, Doris returned to work at Kantar's Department Store and then Bentz Furniture Store.  From 1967 until 1981, she worked at the Consumer Discount Company of St. Marys.  She also served as bookkeeper for her sons sporting goods store, Dave's Pro Shop, until well into her 80's, learning the intricacies of computers and accounting software.

Doris was a strong and attractive woman who took charge of her family and work responsibilities with vigor, competence, and kindness.  She had a keen sense of humor and could laugh as heartily at herself as at any other situation, however dire it may seem.  She had a sharp mind that she used to master many types of card games and manage her personal investments.  She loved to spend time with her friends at the local social clubs and with her family at their camp.

She is survived by three sons, David Gabler and his wife Lindy of St. Marys, Robert Gabler and his wife Wanda of Camp Hill, Kenneth Gabler and his wife Janet St. Marys, as well as by 13 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Mary Jo in 1957, as well as a sister, Elva Fritz, and by two brothers, James Herzing and Regis Herzing.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Doris J. Gabler will be celebrated on Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 12:00 PM at  St. Marys Church, Church Street, St. Marys, PA with Rev. Peter Augustine Pierjok, OSB , officiating.
Interment will follow in the St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

There will be no visitation.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the St. Marys Senior Center or to a favorite charity.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael St., St. Marys, is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

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