Obituary of Mathurine Huguette Gabai

Mathurine Huguette Gabai, age 96, of Stamford, beloved wife of the late Robert Gabai, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 2, 2024 with her loving daughter Nancy by her side. Born in Brive, France on July 7, 1928, she was the daughter of the late Ferdinand and Genevieve Duclos Barberousse.

In her early adult years, she spent time in Paris becoming a skilled seamstress and hat maker. It was there she met her husband and soulmate, Robert. They immigrated to the United States in 1963 and settled in New Jersey. They spent many summers in France visiting with family, bringing young Nancy and teaching her about the culture and country they loved so deeply. Huguette took immense pride in her French heritage, and made sure her grandchildren knew that, often saying, "Paris is the most beautiful city in the world!". Along with being a seamstress and homemaker, she was a gifted artist, enjoyed painting, and shared many of her beautiful pieces with family and friends.

Huguette's greatest joy was her family. Mémé, as she was known by her grandchildren, loved nothing more than their company. Throughout their lives she was a pillar of love and nurture, helping them grow into the adults they are today. They will forever cherish the memories of sleepovers and playing together in her backyard. Eventually, the same backyard memories were made by her great-grandchildren, who made her heart grow more than she could have imagined.

She is survived by her loving and dedicated daughter, Nancy Holinko and her husband Doug, three cherished grandchildren, Melissa White and her husband Trevor, Stephanie Gottschalk and her husband Tommy, and Jeffrey Holinko and his partner Rachel Harrington, and two adored great grandsons, Nicholas and James White. She is also survived by several brothers in law and sisters in law, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Jean Barberousse.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Friday, December 6, 2024 from 4 – 7 pm in the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Rd., Trumbull. A prayer service and family remembrances will take place at 6:15 p.m. in the funeral home. Private family burial will take place in Princeton, New Jersey. To leave an online condolence please visit www.abriola.com.