Merle Gilman Gabriel, 89, of Severna Park, MD died peacefully at her home on December 25, 2017.

She was born in Richmond, VA to Robert Snyder Gilman and Merle Pond Gilman. She was the middle of three daughters. She graduated from John Marshall High School in Richmond, VA in 1945.

She was a Civil Servant with the Office of Personnel Management at Fort George G. Meade until her retirement. She was active in Beta Sigma Phi XI Alpha Phi chapter, Toastmasters International, and The Red Hatters. She loved to travel, play games and spend time with family and friends.  She was always on the go.

Merle is survived by her daughters, Susie Ward (Ron), Betsy Hein, and her grandchildren, Matt Ward, Emily Reymann (Mike), and Katherine Hein. She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Joseph E. Gabriel, her sisters, Jane Gilman and Peggy Welker, and her son-in-law Carl L. Hein III.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 at 2pm at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Accessible Resources for Independence, 1406 B Crain Hwy S, Suite 206, Glen Burnie, MD 21061 or online to the Arthritis Foundation in her honor.