Chrystalla Gabriel, a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and longtime member of the Greek Orthodox community, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026. She was 84.
She was born in Kyrenia, Cyprus, on June 16, 1941, to Panagiotis and Antigone (Yakoumetis). Her life began on the island she loved and was shaped by a deep commitment to faith, family, education, and freedom.
As a young woman in Cyprus, Chrystalla was involved in the struggle against British colonial rule. According to her family, she served in support of EOKA and was arrested for her participation. That courage and sense of conviction stayed with her throughout her life.
In November 1964, Chrystalla immigrated to the United States with her family, first settling in Lodi, New Jersey, and later in Totowa. In New Jersey, she built a life around work, family, church, and the Cypriot and Greek traditions that remained close to her.
Chrystalla and her late husband, Michael, were married for 31 years. They shared an unusual bond, having been born on the same day, in the same year, and, according to family, at the same hour in Cyprus. Together, they owned and operated several diners and restaurants, including The Town Diner, The Hawthorne Diner, The High Chaperal Restaurant, The Golden Star Diner, The Oxford Garden, and The Great American Diner.
Her work in those restaurants reflected much of who she was. She cooked, welcomed, and cared for people with the same warmth she brought into her home. Those who knew her remembered a woman who treated many people like family and opened her heart to children and grandchildren beyond her own.
Chrystalla was a devoted member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Hamilton, where she was active in the St. George Philoptochos and gave many hours to community service, parish festivals, and Yia Yia’s Kitchen. Earlier in her life, she was also involved with St. Athanasios in North Jersey, where she volunteered and took part in the Parent-Teacher Organization when her children were young.
She enjoyed time with friends, including visits to casinos, where she especially liked the penny slots. She also supported philanthropic causes and remained generous with her time, her care, and her presence.
Chrystalla was predeceased by her parents, Panagiotis and Antigone; her husband, Michael; and her siblings, Margherita Kellas, Nikolas Chrysaphis, and Evie Meteyaki.
She is survived by her son, John Gabriel, and his wife, Jill; her daughter, Antigone Gabriel; her grandchildren, Alexander Gabriel and his wife, Emily, Harrison Gabriel, and Emily Gabriel; and her great-granddaughter, Katherine Marie Gabriel. She is also survived by her brothers, Chrysaphis Chrysaphis and his wife, Androula, and Anthony Chrysaphis and his wife, Sotira; her sister, Androula Mavrou, and her husband, Nikolas; her sister-in-law, Agne Chrysaphis; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 10 to 11 a.m. at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1200 Klockner Road, Hamilton, New Jersey. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery, 1800 Hamilton Avenue, Hamilton, where Chrystalla will be laid to rest beside Michael.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church or the St. George Philoptochos.