Loretta Jane Gabriel, 86, of Goose Creek, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on September 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on February 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Katherine Swiger Demastus and Spurgeon Demastus.

Loretta's life was defined by devotion to her faith, dedication to her family, and service to others.

She met the love of her life, Richard, while attending school in West Virginia. After graduating, she accepted a position with the CIA, moved to Washington, D.C., and shortly after, the two were married on September 20, 1958.

Richard began his 24-year career with the Navy, which took them to many places, including Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Virginia, Puerto Rico, and Rota, Spain. Along the way, they welcomed their three children: Ron, Tim, and Tina. In addition to homemaking, Loretta pursued a career in civil service. Upon retirement in 1982, they made the Charleston area their permanent home. Loretta later spent nearly twenty years working with Weight Watchers, where she continued encouraging and supporting others.

After marrying Richard, Loretta embraced the Catholic faith and both became devoted members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Her faith was not merely practiced but lived. She served as an active parishioner, lector, Eucharistic minister, and mentor. She also faithfully supported Richard's involvement with the Knights of Columbus to foster fellowship and strengthen their church community. She was a cherished friend of the Sisters of the Felician Center in Kingstree, South Carolina, and treasured those relationships throughout her life.

Above all else, Loretta's greatest joy was her family and helping others. She delighted in raising her children and spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family dinners were a beloved tradition, where joy was shared and lasagna was often served. She enjoyed baking fruitcakes for the clergy, and desserts for Knights Socials. Loretta also found peace and happiness tending to her treasured collection of orchids and angels, a reflection of the patience, care, dedication, and beauty she brought to every aspect of her life.

Loretta spent her life serving the Lord, her country, and her community. She will be deeply missed. Her example and the memories she created will continue to guide and inspire all who met her.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Gabriel; her brother, Ben Demastus; her sister, Martha Posey; her children: Ronald Gabriel (Peggy), Timothy Gabriel, and Tina Gabriel Bennett (Sean); her grandchildren: Nicole Alonzo, Neal Levi Vanschoiack, Ca-Rin McNeil, Raena Jones, Haile Gabriel Bennett, and Hayden Grace McLeod; and many great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Monday, September 14, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at McAllister-Smith Funeral Home in Goose Creek.

The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 15 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 510 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Parkinson's Foundation.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.