Obituary of Zelda Lucille Thomas-Gabel

Zelda Lucille Thomas-Gabel, 85 years old, passed away at home in Horseheads, NY early Sunday morning, December 10, 2023, in the company of her loving family. Zelda, formerly of Addison, was born on April 6, 1938 in Elkland, PA where she was raised by the late Anderson and Minnie Knepp Wyatt and attended Elkland High School. On October 29, 1960, Zelda married Donald R. Thomas. They made their home in Elmira where they raised their three children. Zelda was a loving wife, proud mother, and devoted homemaker. She encouraged each of her children in all of their aspirations and dreams. Zelda was always welcoming, opening her home to exchange students and family members, making them feel like part of her own family. Loved ones such as Joy Thomas Wright, William Thomas, Tad Webster, and Susie Murch were very special to her. On December 17, 1984, her husband Don passed away. Zelda later married Gerald A. Gabel on June 18, 1993 in Gowanda, NY. They made their home in Tuscarora and wintered in Florida for many years. Jerry preceded Zelda in death on April 1, 2016. She was a former member of the West Elmira Fire Department Auxiliary, American Field Service, and the Addison Eagles Aerie. Zelda especially enjoyed shopping on QVC, watching Hallmark Christmas movies, and spending time with her grandchildren. Besides her husbands and parents, Zelda was predeceased by her daughter, Denise Allen, her brother, Boyd Wyatt, her step daughter, Judy Dee, and her great granddaughter, Jaden Beard. Surviving are her loving children and their spouses, Todd and Lisa Thomas of Philadelphia, PA, and Elizabeth and Jerry Zolkosky of Millport, NY. As well as her extraordinary grandchildren: Donald Beard, Aaron Beard, Lydia Thomas, Gabriela Thomas, Samuel Thomas, Noah Thomas, Joshua Zolkosky, Caleb Zolkosky and Rebekah Zolkosky, 9 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Lorena Wyatt of Nelson, PA, Jeanine Taft of Addison and Carmen Thomas of Enon, OH, along with several nieces and nephews. Zelda will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Highland Cemetery in Elkland, PA. A memorial service will be held for family and friends on Friday, December 29 at 1:00 PM at the Corning First Church of the Nazarene, 10242 Hamilton Road, Corning, NY. Reverend John Cramer II and Chaplain Lisa Thomas, M. Div., will officiate the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a cause very dear to Zelda’s heart, the Todd Thomas Music Scholarship Fund. 301 S. Main St. Horseheads, NY 14845. NVL@communityfund.org. Arrangements are in care of the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Woodhull, NY.