Lydia Mary Gabrielson went to be with the Lord on Dec. 18, 2012 at the age of 89. She was born Dec. 30, 1922 in Anacortes to Valentine and Maria Chiabai. Lydia was raised in Anacortes, graduated from Anacortes High School with the Class of 1942 and went on the Skagit Valley College, where she received her Secretarial Degree.
Lydia worked in the Admitting Department of Island Hospital from 1963 to 1966. While there, she met an Oak Harbor physician, Dr. Mark Gabrielson and a romance began. She and Mark were married in Mt. Vernon in 1966 and Oak Harbor became Lydia’s new home. She also assisted in the raising of Mark’s children from his first marriage.
Mark was an avid sailor and Lydia soon developed a love of sailing. She also enjoyed gardening. She had a strong faith in God and her church and was a faithful member of St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Oak Harbor. She was also a member of the Polly Harpole Hospital Guild.
Lydia is survived by nine nieces and nephews: Randy Chiabai (Linda) of Bellingham; RickChiabai of Anacortes; Ronald Chiabai (Susan) of Burlington; Debbie Myers of Bellingham; Carole Star (Rich) of Anacortes: Nikki Braaten (Tom) of Everett; Scott Boyer (Cindy) and Leslie Schlaepfer, all of Bellevue and Kari Holmly (Dave). She is also survived by five step children: Dr. Mark L. Gabrielson (Caroline) of Enumclaw; Joan Marts (Boyd) of Seattle’ Reid Gabrielson of Florida; Barby Thompson (Tom) of Arlington and John “Buddy” Gabrielson of Lompoc, CA. One sister Norine Boyer and one brother Fred Chiabai preceded her in death.
A vigil service was held Wednesday, Jan. 2 at St. Augustine Catholic Church. Funeral mass was celebrated Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013 at St. Augustine Catholic Church Rev. Jerry Kienzle as Celebrant. A reception followed in the Parish Hall. Graveside interment prayers were at Grand View Cemetery in Anacortes.
Memorials may be made to Children’s Hospital or Whidbey General Hospital Foundation. Friends and family are encouraged to offer condolences and share memories utilizing the memory book hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
