Belinda J. Gabriel Obituary (1958

Belinda Jean Gabriel passed away on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the age of 67. She was a resident of Indian Township, a place she called home and served with love, care, and her unforgettable culinary treats. Born in Calais on March 20, 1958, to Roger and Florence (Sockabasin) Potoine, Belinda was a vibrant embodiment of her Native American heritage, and a testament to the power of love, family, and tradition. Belinda's journey through life was marked by her dedication to those she loved and the passions she pursued. After completing her education at Lee Academy, she embraced the role that she would cherish the most, motherhood. Her love for her family extended into her work at Lola’s Store, and later as a cook for the Indian Township school and for the elderly. Belinda's love for cooking was legendary. Her crème puffs and homemade rolls were the talk of the town, and her generosity led her to teach others the art of her famous Norwegian cake. She cherished the simple pleasures of life, like working on jigsaw puzzles, engaging in arts and crafts, and practicing target shooting. Belinda was a proud and devoted steward of her Passamaquoddy heritage. She understood the importance of preserving her ancestral language and took on the noble task of being a bilingual teacher, ensuring that the rich tapestry of the Passamaquoddy language lived on. Belinda's love and commitment extended beyond her immediate family. She was a beloved mother to her four children, April Tomah and wife Mary of Bangor, Florence Lonseth of Indian Township, Savannah Lonseth of Calais, and Kristian Lonseth and companion Michaela Tatlock of Bradley. She was a doting grandmother and Uhkomi who adored her grandchildren, Trinity, Charles, Areonna, Alannah, Paisley, Haven, and Ella. She is also survived by her siblings Jeannie, Tina and husband Jim, Mike, Henry and wife Millie, Randy and wife Jennifer, and Dana, as well as her special cousins, Vickey, Cindy, and Annabelle, numerous nieces and nephews who lovingly called her Nannie, and many aunts and uncles. Belinda was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Richard Gabriel, her grandsons Billy Boy and Scott, and her brother Cheyenne. Visitation will begin 10 a.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at the St. Ann Parish Hall, Peter Dana Point. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Saturday, February 28, at St. Ann Church, Peter Dana Point. Arrangements are being handled by Mays Funeral Home & Cremation Services. We invite all those who knew and loved Belinda to share their memories, stories, and photos on her memorial page at www.MaysFuneralHome.com. Let us remember and celebrate Belinda Gabriel, a remarkable woman whose life was a testament of love, service, and cultural preservation. Her spirit lives on in the many hearts she touched and the rich legacy she leaves behind.