Gabriella Powell

Gabriella Powell, a beautiful wife, mother, and grandmother, was granted her angel wings on Sunday, February 9, 2020. In her final weeks, she was surrounded by her family; who were the most important people in her life. She was 87 years old. Gabriella Predicatori was born on May 22, 1932 in Senegalia, Italy. She was the oldest of three girls. When she was six years old, her family moved to Eritrea, Ethiopia, where she grew up amidst a community of Italians and Eritreans. In her early twenties, she worked at the American Army Base, as an office assistant. It was during this time that she met a handsome American soldier who would become the love of her life, David Powell. After years of courtship, which included American movies and Italian family dinners, they were married at the Catholic Cathedral in Asmara, on April 8, 1956. After settling in the Pacific Northwest, Dave and Gabi had five children: Angela, Gloria (Cocca), David, Renato, and Luciana. Gabi embraced her role as Mamma and housewife with fervor and ran a very organized household; cooking dinner every night, keeping her home spotless, and balancing sports and piano lessons for the children. In the 1980s, Gabi discovered a new talent - she was an amazing salesperson. Starting at Meier & Frank, then Macy's, Gabi was the top salesperson in the designer handbag department for many years. She treated her customers like family and most of them returned year after year to visit with her and to purchase their handbags. She was almost a local celebrity, as she would often be stopped when she was out and about by customers who wanted to say hello. Gabi retired from Macy's in 2008 but missed it so much; she loved her customers dearly. Another passion for Gabi: her grandchildren. She had 15 grandchildren and she couldn't have been prouder to be called their Nonni. She and Dave were regular spectators for everything from football games to dance recitals, Open Mic Nights to plays and musicals. And the entire time she was there, she would tell anyone close by who her grandchild was and just how amazing they were. Her eyes would light up anytime she had the opportunity to talk about them; they were the light of her life. Gabi will always be remembered for her larger-than-life personality. Even though she was petite, she was a firecracker. Every person who met her was touched by her warmth, her happiness, and her amazing ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world. Gabi loved you from the minute she met you and she never let you forget it. Gabi is survived by her husband, Dave, her children Angela, Cocca (Jeff), David (Kimmie), Renato (Tonya), and Luciana (Jacob), her 15 grandchildren Tyran, Christopher, Briana, Daiva, Domenico, Lela, Parrish, Mallori, Livy, Francesco, Brendan, Mariella, Gabriel, Isabella, Davie and three great-grandchildren:Tucker, Rhett, and Ever. Her funeral service will be held at St. Therese of the Child Jesus Church in Portland, OR, on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Gabi's name to the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose. https://www.msjdominicans.org/

Gabriella Powell

May 22, 1932 - February 9, 2020