Anna Paige Gavel

It is with aching hearts and tears that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved daughter, niece, granddaughter and friend Anna Gavel.  Anna passed away on May 17, 2023, at 27 years and 5 days old.  Anna is the daughter of Paul Gavel, of Salem, NH and Heather Tabacco, of Mooresville, NC.

Anna graduated from Triton High School and attended NECC and Middlesex Community College. Her studies included Business Administration and Medical Assistance and more recently was studying toward a nursing degree.

Anna loved all creatures great and small, from dogs, horses and chickens. Her aunt Jenn got her hooked on horseback riding at an early age. She spent many happy days after school at Cressbrook Farm doing whatever she could to help and later at Cornerstone Farm where she won many ribbons. Anna ended her riding career by competing in Maryland at the Capital Challenge Horse Show.  She lived for the excitement of competitive horse showing each year.  It taught her to be confident in her abilities and trust in herself.  Cornerstone remained a source of comfort & friendship.

At 22, Anna was diagnosed with Leukemia. Her world turned upside down and she was hospitalized for months at a time.  Luck was on her side – as she was fortunate to have Dr. David Avigan as her oncologist.  Dr. Avigan and his team of exceptional nurses and assistants brought her through 5 years of treatments and stem cell transplant. We want to thank them for all they did for her and  know that those at Shapiro and Feldberg held a very special place in Anna’s heart.  The support & care that Anna received got her through many difficult days.  We will never be able to thank them enough.

During her time in the hospital, she dreamed of getting a dog. That dream came true when Daisy was found at a NH shelter.  Their love was immediate and Daisy became her baby.  Anna shared a home with her boyfriend, Ryan Carney, and Daisy in Merrimac, MA.  They recently renovated and decorated the home together. She loved vegetable gardening and cooking, especially wonderful desserts and pastries that she always had freshly made.  Since Anna grew up loving horses and was always on a farm, she inevitably became “The Chicken Lady” starting with five chickens and recently added more to their coop; always hoping to add more animals and have a farm of her own one day. When Anna and Ryan met in 2017, she knew he was the one, and she quickly became a key part of the Carney family. They shared family events, beach days, holidays, vacations, and of course going to Red Sox and Patriots games. But more importantly, Anna filled a role for the Carney family that we didn't know we needed. She did what she does best and she brought us all closer together, making us more unified. When Anna came into our lives she made holidays important and birthdays feel special again, always finding someone or something to celebrate as a family. Anna will be deeply missed by us all. She was known for her thoughtfulness and great sense of humor, for knowing every word to every song and never hesitating to belt it out, and for always giving Richard the business and getting it right back. 

Anna had worked at Liberty Law, Newburyport and recently had taken a position at Mirra Co of Georgetown, MA. She was so happy to be part of Mirra Co.  A special thanks to the Mirra family for their love and support of Anna.  It will never be forgotten.

In addition to her parents, Anna is survived by her sweetheart, Ryan Carney of Merrimac, MA.  Grandparents Gary and Ginny Brown of Newbury, Ma. Grandmother Karen Gavel of No Grafton MA. Her maternal great grandmother, Mary Blake of Reading, MA.  Her sister and brother Tanya Gavel and Martin Gavel of Salem, NH. Her sister Amber Trumann and son Franklin of Bridgton, ME.   Many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who enriched her life. And the Carney family who made her a part of their lives.  They were so loved by Anna.  Daisy is waiting for her to come home and so are we….

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday May 24, 2023 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. Anna’s Funeral Service and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anna’s memory can be made to Dr. Avigan’s Research Fund at BIDMC by visiting www.bidmc.org/giving.  Or by check to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center with Dr. David Avigan’s Research Fund in the memo line sent to BIDMC Office of Philanthropy, 529 Main St, 4th Flr, Charlestown, MA 02129.  Please consider “Be the Match”, 500 North 5th Street, Minneapolis, MS 55401 - the New Hampshire Humane Society or an animal shelter of your choice. 

For directions or to offer online condolences please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com 

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