Sister Gabriel Mary Hoare SL, known affectionately by many as Sister Gabe, died May 1, 2022, at Loretto Motherhouse in Nerinx, KY. Baptized Anne Elizabeth Hoare, Sr. Gabriel Mary was born March 28, 1929, in Denver, to Mary (Breen) and Patrick Hoare. She entered the Sisters of Loretto in 1951, was received into the congregation on April 25, 1952, and celebrated final profession in 1957. She was 93 and had just celebrated her 70 ^th year in community. Gabriel Mary earned a B.A. in speech and drama, with minors in English and education, from Loretto Heights College, Denver, in 1951, a M.A. in art from Notre Dame University in 1962 and a M.A. in gerontology from Webster University in 1983. Immediately after her novitiate years, Gabe studied in the Art Department of Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, 1954-56, learning the process of serigraphy from then Sister Corita Kent, IHM.

Many people will remember Sister Gabe singing "Sweet Little Jesus Boy" at Christmas Liturgy. It was a prayer, an artistic rendering of faith, a gift to God and to community. Gabe used every talent for others. She taught art and drama for more than 50 years at Nerinx Hall High School. At Webster University she was a member of the art department faculty, 1963–1990, serving as chair and assistant dean from 1974-1984. In her name, donors established a scholarship fund at Webster. Sr. Gabe also taught for 25 years at the St. Louis City Juvenile Detention Center and served on the Bd. of Directors for "The Learning Center." She was director of the Arts for the Elderly, Missouri Office on Aging, St. Louis, 1978. She served as administrative staff and as a health resources team member for Loretto.

Sr. Gabe was a noted watercolorist and serigrapher whose work has been displayed locally and nationally. Her numerous honors include the Nerinx Hall Faculty Association's 2002 Outstanding Teacher Award, the Webster Alumni Association's Mary Elizabeth Newell Award, the Purchase Award for Best Religious Art at the Missouri Art Show, the Arts and Education Council of Greater St. Louis 2007 Art Educator of the Year Award and the Episcopal City Ministries' "Moment in Time" Award. A talented artist, singer and actress who inspired students in theater, music and the visual arts, Sr. Gabe said that being able to share the "personal gift of yourself" was one of life's and her greatest joys. Preceding her in death were her parents and siblings, James Patrick Breen (Terri), Mary J. (Hoare) Cady, Thomas A. Horan (Mary Gail) and Loretto Sister Marie Patrice Hoare. Wake 2:30 pm CT May 5. Funeral Mass 9 am CT May 6. Both at Loretto Motherhouse. Burial in Our Lady of Sorrows Cemetery on Motherhouse grounds. Memorials may be made to the Sisters of Loretto for our mission, c/o Loretto Motherhouse, 515 Nerinx Road, Nerinx, KY 40049 or as an online gift