Passed away peacefully in her 94th year at Owen Hill Care Community on October 11th, 2026.
Born in Farropo, São Miguel, Azores, Portugal, Gabriela will be fondly remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, wonderful sense of humour, and deep devotion to her family.
She was the wife of the late Manuel Pontes and a devoted mother to the late Mary, Joe (Barb), the late Joanne (Pat Contois), Mike (Florinda), and Suzanne. She was a proud grandmother (Vavó) to Christopher (Lorinda), Gregory (Laisa), Lyndsey (Donnie), Kendra (Joey), Rachel (Joey), and Alicia (Dan), and a loving great-grandmother to Quinn and Brett, who brought her immense joy. Her family was her greatest pride, and the love she shared across generations will live on through the memories and traditions they hold dear.
Gabriela immigrated to Canada with her husband, Manuel, and together they raised their beautiful family in MacTier, Ontario.
Family was at the heart of Gabriela’s world. Whether caring for her children, working as a custodian at MacTier Public School, or gathering everyone around the table, she expressed her love through her thoughtfulness and care. Her homemade bread, biscuits, and massa, along with her playful wit, will be fondly remembered. Even in her final days, she continued to bring smiles to those around her.
Gabriela treasured her time at her cottage in MacTier, where she found peace and happiness. Her Catholic faith remained a source of comfort and guidance throughout her life. She adored her cat, Menina, and enjoyed cheering on the Toronto Blue Jays and watching hockey. She found her greatest happiness in the company of her family and the simple pleasures of everyday life.
Gabriela’s resilience, warmth, and wonderful sense of humour touched the lives of those who knew her. Her legacy lives on in the traditions she passed down, the laughter she inspired, and the countless memories that will be cherished for generations to come.
Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is reunited with Manuel, Joanne, Mary, and her siblings. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely will remain in the hearts of her family forever.
A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie, on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026 at 10 am. Following the Mass, guests are invited to join the family for a reception in the lower lounge of the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie. Interment will follow the reception at MacTier Union Cemetery, 39 Cemetery Rd., Georgian Bay, at approximately 2 pm. Guests are welcomed to attend the interment, although there is certainly no obligation to do so.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gabriela’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society of Simcoe County, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com