Gabriele Pledge was born on April 21, 1931 in Lenggries, Germany. She was the oldest of three daughters to Otto and Regina Purzer. Gabriele met the love of her life in 1950, an American soldier named Glen Pledge, and they were soon married. Upon completion of his military duties, Glen returned to the states. In 1954, Gabriele and their son traveled aboard the S S United States to begin their life in a new country. Once reunited, Gabriele and Glen were devoted to each other for the next 60 years.
After living in multiple regions of the United States, Gabriele settled with her family in the Chicago area for the next 70 years. She dedicated her life to raising their son and maintaining a loving home for the family. Her son, Glen, married Barbara (nee Stephansen) and Gabriele was thrilled to be blessed with two granddaughters, Elizabeth and Jessica.
Gabriele loved to tend to her garden and bake for all her friends and family. She had a very generous spirit, being well known for her kindness, caring, and loving nature. After her husband passed in 2012, Gabriele reluctantly accepted a new companion, her “Kitty”, who soon became her most precious confidante.
Gabriele spent the last four and a half years of her life living with her son, daughter-in-law, and their menagerie of pets, which brought smiles to her face every single day. Gabriele lived her life on her own terms and left this worldly place in the same manner. She is now reunited with the love of her life and will be able to look over her family forever.
Visitation will be held at Bloomingdale Church, 264 Glen Ellyn Rd, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 on Friday, January 20, 2023 from 1pm until time of Funeral Service at 3pm. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given online by clicking Bloomingdale Church or to Tiny N Tall Rescue
