Katherine A. Gabel
Katherine Ann (Katie) Gabel
June 26, 1951 – March 5, 2026
Katie Gabel (née Wolstenholme) passed away at the age of 74 on March 5, 2026, at Guelph General Hospital following an extended period of illness in her final months, which she faced with strength, grace and courage.
Katie is survived by her husband Bruce Gabel; children Andrea Ellis (Trevor) and Angela Kitchen; grandchildren Sarah Ferguson (Shane), Alex Ferguson, Haley Pennington (Scott), Andrew Ellis (Emma), Brooklynn Ellis and Madelynn Ellis; great-grandchildren Ronan and Sophia O’Driscoll, Ella, Everlynn, Easton and Ellis Pennington, and Henry Ellis; brothers Rick Wolstenholme (Karen) and Mark Wolstenholme and sister Kim Makey (Ron); sister-in-law Lori Nash (Doug) and brother-in-law Brent Gabel; as well as a large and loving extended family. She was predeceased by her parents Richard and Helen Wolstenholme, son Rob Kitchen, sister Karen Wolstenholme, father-in-law and mother-in-law Glen and Lois Gabel and first husband Bob Kitchen. Katie would also have wanted to acknowledge those in the Kitchen and related families, past and present, who knew her and were also an important part of her personal history.
Katie’s life was shaped most deeply by the people she loved. Warmth and generosity came naturally to her, and she found genuine joy in every kind of connection—whether sharing a quiet one-on-one conversation or in larger social gatherings. Her open, approachable manner made it easy for her to form lasting friendships with people from all walks of life. Yet at the heart of everything, the relationships she held with family were the true foundation of her life, the bonds she cherished above all else.
She felt most at peace in nature, especially while walking our two Goldens, Joy and Mitzy, through the nearby woods and trails and connecting with those she met along the way.
Her innately spiritual nature was a steady guiding force throughout her life, inspiring her to help others in any way she could through the various religious communities and organizations with which she was involved. She was particularly active within the local AA community and was grateful for the many meaningful connections and support she found there.
Katie was truly appreciative of all who helped her in any way throughout her life’s journey. She will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no visitation or formal funeral. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Donations in her memory can be made to Royal City Mission or Crohn’s and Colitis Canada.
Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.
A tree will be planted in memory of Katherine A. Gabel in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.