Gabrielle Emily Hanela
Obituary

Gabrielle was a kind and gentle soul whose presence brought light and joy to everyone around her. She deserved far more years than she was given.

Her journey was not an easy one, especially after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved mother, Sharon, when she was just sixteen.

From a young age, Gabrielle faced the challenges of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, enduring countless related illnesses and hospital stays with remarkable strength. Despite the many hardships she encountered, she faced life with courage and an unwavering determination to rediscover happiness.

She had a profound love for animals, especially her cherished Yorkies, and later in life, she discovered a special connection with cats, holding her two rescued companions especially close to her heart.

Gabrielle’s greatest passion was caring for others. She followed her dream of becoming a nurse and proudly completed nursing school, but her illness and pain eventually made it impossible for her to continue in the profession she loved so deeply. Even so, she found renewed purpose and joy working part-time (until too unwell to continue) as the Office Manager and Assistant Director at The Classical Ballet School, where she was adored by students, parents, and staff alike. Her beloved Yorkie, “Seven,” was a constant companion, joyfully greeting the children each day and earning the affectionate title of the school’s Goodwill Ambassador.

Throughout her life, Gabrielle found joy in the companionship of her dogs and cats, her love of glitter and rhinestones — lavishly adorning her home and surroundings with them — her great fondness for sushi, which she would have gladly eaten at every meal, and her appreciation for the music of Pink, Billie Eilish, and Vivaldi.

Tragically, Gabrielle spent her final days at UCLA Hospital, passing away on the very day she was meant to return home. Her doctor fondly recalled how her radiant smile could light up the room each time he visited.

She is survived by her sister, Rachelle, and by Stella Croxon, who was destined to become her “Bonus Mom,” safe-haven, devoted caregiver, and cherished friend, and who faithfully supported Gabrielle through the last fourteen years of her life.

She will be remembered as a sweet, compassionate spirit, full of light and love, taken far too soon at just 38 years old. Surely, she is now sprinkling glitter among the stars, her beautiful smile shining brightly in the heavens above.

Goodnight, sweet Gabrielle. You will be missed forever.

Gabrielle is pictured here with her precious Yorkie, “Melody.”