Gabrielle Victorine George, affectionately known as “Gaboo”, was born in Anse Madame, Shoelcher, Martinique, French West Indies on Friday, March 24, 1939 to Tina Defoe and Leon Placid I, Sr. Gabrielle soon moved to Dominica with her mother where she spent most of her young life.

In Dominica, she grew up in the small village of Pointe Carib where she helped in her mother’s shop. Gabrielle was an eager learner and attended the Pointe Carib Government School located on the western side of the village. Her dream had always been to be a singer, hoping to one day grace the entertainment stages in Paris. However, her passion as a family person kept her close to home helping her mother and eventually starting her own family. But her beautiful voice was never silenced as she loved to sing in school, church and wherever she could lend her voice.

Gabrielle migrated to Guadeloupe where she met and eventually married Osbert George. After many years, they finally migrated to and settled in St. Thomas U.S. Virgin Islands, where she worked diligently to support her family in St. Thomas and Dominica. She was an industrious employee at Inter-Island Department Store where she assisted in sales and customer service. She also worked as a manager at Caribbean Yacht Charters from which she retired at age 70. She attended Bovoni Baptist Church in earlier years as well as Holy Family Catholic Church in St. Thomas. While in Florida, she attended New Hope International Outreach Ministries as well as Restoration Place Tallahassee. 

Gabrielle was a loving mother to her eight children, raising them with a tight grip to ensure that they grew up to be Godly, respectful and productive citizens. She loved family, especially her children, grand-, and great-grandkids but would quickly adopt anyone who befriended her or who treasured her presence. Her friends knew her as a strong-willed, passionate and no-nonsense person – but generous and loving – one who would always open her home and kitchen to any who came by.

Gabrielle was active in her church, singing in choirs and was involved in civic organizations and activities in St. Thomas. She loved travelling especially to Tortola, Guadeloupe, Dominica and Florida where she had many family and friends. She was an avid story-teller, carving scenes of humor from her many life experiences. She also loved keeping up with current events and happenings – whether it was nightly news or death announcements from DBS Radio in Dominica.

After a few years of declining health, Gabrielle would make her final trip to Florida, where she succumbed to cancer on December 30, 2022, at the age of 83. She wants to be remembered as a courageous, caring and God fearing woman who loved family, especially her children. We will forever cherish her memories.

Gabrielle leaves to mourn the following relatives and friends:

DAUGHTERS: Fredine Sorrel, Ivinia George-Henderson, Delitta George | SONS: Rolland George, Philbert George, Auguiste George, Heath Corriette | DAUGHTERS IN-LAW: Alicia George, Harriet Tull-George, Patricia Jackson-George | SONS IN LAW: Henri Sorrel, Cromwell A Henderson III, Donahue Stephenson | GRAND DAUGHTERS: Diana Milon; Veronique George, Ayanna George Fox (Benjamin); Chantell Victorine Henderson,  Chenell Gabrielle Henderson; Kerrine George, Karlyn Merchant (Causton); Aaliyah George; Amara Stephenson | GRAND SONS: Kevin George, Kirwin George; Dominick George (Jasmine), Dietrich George; Cromwell Henderson II; Rodrick George | GREAT-GRAND CHILDREN: Sephora Mann, Naomi Mann; Terrance F. George, Sadie George; Kayden Merchant; Kaaliyah George; Jada Cecelia Drummer; Jayce George, Carter George; Benjamin Fox, Jr; Kante Jackson, Kahm Frederick | BROTHER: Leon Placid II | SISTERS-IN-LAW: Judith Placid, Ursuline George, Ivinia George, Mina George | NIECES: Janet Placid, Anne Placid-Martin; Naomi Leatham; Ilva Defoe, Merella Dorival | NEPHEWS: Ian G. Placid; Dwight Leatham, Dorian Leatham; Ederson Defoe, Kendall Defoe.

CLOSE FAMILY & FRIENDS:

Gabriel Sanderson, Oliver “Sonn” Casimir, Margaret “Rosie” & Simon Peter, Ruffin Francis, Margaret Francis, Ivinia Defoe, Victoria Anselm & Family, Rosetta and Charlene Charles,  Medora Edwards, Helena Seraphin, Bert Toussaint, Monica Etienne, Deedee Tallman, Kelvin Athanaze, Dorina Dorival & Family, Audette Anselm, Patrick & Elta George, Genora George, Theresa Leatham, Evantie Harriette, Moses Jones, Pastor John & Ann-Marie Baker, Joan Isidore, Ferilis MacPherson, Rosie Pemberton, Sybil Alexander, Marcella John-Lewis and many more family and friends.