Grace G. "Boots" (Gabonay) Sabljak

Grace G. "Boots" Sabljak, 80, of Herminie, passed away Thursday, June 21, 2018, in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, surrounded by her family. She was born Sept. 15, 1937, in Wendel, daughter of the late John and Margaret (Bizich) Gabonay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph T. "Buzzy" Gabonay; and her nephew, David Gabonay. Prior to her retirement, Boots was a secretary, having worked for the MAWC and West Penn Power. She was then a homemaker for many years, until she decided to help out at Madison Foodarama with the catering business, doing weddings, golf outings and special events for the S.N.P.J., for over 25 years. She was known for doing the YMCA with the bands. She also worked at the Kavel Pharmacy at the time as a sales clerk till it closed. Boots was a fixture at Kavel Pharmacy back in the day, where she made so many lasting friendships. She was a member of St. Edward Church in Herminie, participating in the funeral choir, Sunshine Club and the Altar Rosary Society. She was also part of the Christmas Decorating Committee and had her own special tree in the vestibule for the past 20 years. She was also very involved with the school at St. Edward's with the PTA, worked as the school librarian, and was known as the "Pierogi Queen" at the church for fundraising. Collecting Longaberger baskets, and the flowers on her porch were her pride and joy, along with gardening and flower arranging. Boots was an avid bingo player, enjoyed going to the casino, and loved family trips to Myrtle Beach, Disney World and her cruise to Mexico. But most of all, she loved her grandchildren, attending all their activities, from baseball to soccer and basketball. She was their No. 1 fan. Grace "Boots" is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Joseph L. Sabljak; daughter, Shelly (Kraig) Keith, of Texas; a son, Joseph (Karen) Sabljak, of Herminie; two brothers, Bob Gabonay and his wife, Rita, of West Newton, and Jim Gabonay and his wife, Barbara, of North Huntingdon; sister-in-law, Donna Gabonay, of Herminie No. 2; five special grandsons, Aaron Keith, Brandon (Kaitlyn) Keith, Luke and Ben Sabljak and Camron Keith; two special great-grandchildren, Cayden and Reagan Keith; numerous nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews. Boots was one of a kind, a gentle woman with so many special qualities; her smile and her love for family and friends will forever be remembered. She will be dearly missed by all who loved her. Friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the JOSEPH W. NICKELS FUNERAL HOME INC., Herminie, 724-446-7251. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Edward Church in Herminie. Interment will follow in Westmoreland County Memorial Park, Hempfield Township. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Sewickley Township Ambulance, 2 Medic St., Herminie, PA 15637 and/or Herminie Volunteer Fire Department Station 15, 101 Sewickley Ave., Herminie, PA 15637. To send online condolences, please visit www.nickelsfuneralhomeinc.com.

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