Carrie’s Corner
Beverly J. Clark, Publicity Director
Carrie A. Gabriel began working for the City in 1946 and retired in 1978.
Oh What a Celebration!
Carrie Gabriel celebrates her 103rd birthday with friends.
Carrie celebrated her 103rd birthday on Jan. 28, 2025, at a surprise party with a group of friends at the prestigious Il Pastaio Restaurant in Beverly Hills.
The celebration was attended by friends and Retired Police Officers who sponsored the celebration – some of whom met Carrie last year at an annual police reunion picnic. At the picnic, attendees were fascinated to hear about her experiences working in the Police Dept. in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Carrie’s longevity, vitality and sharp mind continue to amaze those she meets and to those who know her.
She was overjoyed to see both old and new friends gathered to celebrate this milestone. It was a perfect day of delicious food, good company and well-deserved recognition for a truly special lady.
As always, her birthday was marked by a flood of phone calls, and her home was filled with flowers, birthday cards and balloons. She had hoped for a grand celebration on her 100th birthday, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold. Instead, she celebrated at home with a few well-wishers stopping by. She was presented with a beautiful plaque from the Employees Club, presented by CEO Robert Larios, and a delightful chocolate cake—her favorite—along with flowers from RLACEI.
However, this year’s celebration was truly unforgettable for her. She had anticipated a simple lunch with a few friends but was pleasantly surprised to find a large gathering ready to honor her. The Retired LAPD Officers, who have embraced Carrie as one of their own, presented her with a Certificate of Celebration signed by Police Chief Jim McDonnell; a creative money cake; and numerous gifts of love and appreciation.
Carrie’s 103rd birthday celebration was an indication of the love and respect she has garnered throughout her remarkable life. With heartfelt tributes, smiles and laughter, the celebration honored Carrie’s enduring spirit that continues to inspire all who know her.
RLACEI extends a special expression of appreciation and gratitude to the Retired personnel of LAPD who went out of their way to make Carrie’s birthday a memorable occasion: Steve Adams, Stanley Embry, Synthia Lee, Evangelyn Nathan, Edgar Payne and Marcella Winn.
