Gabrielle M. (Pires) McDonald of Valentine Street, Fall River, passed away on Sunday, October 10,2010 with her family at her side after a determined fight against cancer. Born in Fall River, she is the daughter of the late John R. and Amelia (da Luz Ferreira) Pires. She will be sorely missed by her loving husband of forty-two years, J. Barry McDonald, Sr., her son, J. Barry McDonald, Jr., her future daughter-in-law, Michelle H. Dean, and numerous brothers and sisters in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. After graduating from Durfee High School and taking the Civil Service Examination, she worked as a secretary at the Fall River School Department Administration Building on Rock Street, where she met several life-long friends. Later, after many years as a homemaker, she worked at a consignment shop on New Boston Road. She loved her Church and was a woman of deep faith. She was baptized, made her First Communion, was confirmed, and married at St. Anthony of Padua Church. She was very proud of the fact that she and her husband had the honor of having the last wedding held in the old church building. She never missed the annual parish Feast. Although a communicant of Holy Name Church, she enjoyed attending Mass at different parishes throughout the city, including St. Joseph's, Sacred Heart, and St. Anne's, where she often volunteered to bring the offering gifts to the Altar. She enjoyed taking long walks with her husband through her North End neighborhood and at Horseneck Beach, her afternoon coffee, dancing, dining out at her favorite restaurants with her family and watching JEOPARDY! on television. She loved her city and her country, and was extremely proud of the fact that her parents had sponsored the immigration to the United States of a number of her relatives during the 1960s. Although she was a very private person, she had a passion for politics and was a frequent and recognized caller to local radio talk shows. She was extremely generous and gave to many charities. She always helped those who were less fortunate than herself. Her funeral Mass was celebrated in Holy Name Church. She was laid to rest at Notre Dame Cemetery.