Sister Gabriel Thole was born August 6, 1908 and departed this life September 15, 1994 in the 64th year of her Religious life.

Sr. Gabriel, born Clara Frances, was the fourth child of German immigrant parents.  She entered Mount St. Francis on September 8, 1930. Final profession took place August 10, 1936.  Sister completed her high school studies at Mount St. Francis, attended Loras College and graduated from Briar Cliff College in 1966.

Sister taught in Dyersville, Norway, Monticello, Odebolt, Ossian Dubuque (Holy Ghost), Oyens and Stacyville.  In 1977, she retired to Mount St. Francis and in 1985 she entered Holy Family Hall.  A teacher for over forty years, Sister Gabriel loved her work and especially the teaching of religion. 

Although she suffered from excruciating headaches, Sister spent many hours in prayer and in service to her fellow Sisters.  She went to her God on the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows.