Gabrielle Louise (Bishop) Moate |
| Posted 2026-02-26 by Pat R |
| Wickenburg Sun (Wickenburg, Arizona) Wednesday, February 25, 2026, p. A-4 Gabrielle Louise Bishop Moate passed away at her home in Wickenburg surrounded by family and friends on Jan. 19, at the age of 84. Gabrielle, known as Gabe to most who knew her (Gaye by her New Zealand family and friends), was born on Oct. 31, 1941, in Canterbury near Christchurch, New Zealand. Gabrielle spent her early childhood years in Canterbury with her mother, Phyllis Mary Bishop, where they raised and tended sheep. Her mother then worked in Dunedin, New Zealand, where she spent most of her childhood and young adult life. As a young bride, she migrated to Hawaii, where she lived with her two children and then-spouse for more than 12 years. While there, she worked as the office manager for a prominent medical practice. Gabrielle relocated to San Diego where she met the love of her life, Wendell K. Moate, and moved to Phoenix shortly thereafter. At 5'2", Gabe was strong-minded with a wee body and a big heart, always seeing the good in everyone she knew and loved. She had a witty sense of humor and was a great storyteller, often sharing the adventures of friends and family. Gabe was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, touching many lives in big ways for a wee Kiwi. Gabe loved her family and was always there for them. As an unselfish and devoted wife of 45 years to Wendell, she was known as the strong, saintly woman behind the legend. She was a loving, patient and understanding mother to her two children and four stepchildren, and a cherished, supportive friend to her BFFs. She relished throughout New Zealand to visit the "relies" and was the conduit that kept them in touch. She was well thouught of by everyone who crossed her path. Gabe was passionate about her late-blooming artistic talent for painting. Her artwork was displayed and won awards in the Wickenburg Art Museum and is featured in the homes and businesses of her many friends, family and collectors. Gabe delighted in tending to her garden, was an avid reader, loved hunting for treasures at thrift shops and looked after her cats and the hummingbird families that stopped by her window each day. Gabrielle is survived by her husband, Wendall Moate; daughter, Michelle Brown; son, Adrian Conroy; grandchildren, Sierra Brown and Bobbi Conroy; stepchildren, Greg Moate, Daren Moate, Cynthia Runnion and Rob Blankenship; step grandchildren, Andrew Moate, Allie Randall, Loren Runnion and Amelia Runnion; brother and sister-in-law, George and Tessie Moate; and her ever-growing New Zealand family, too numerous to mention all by name. |
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