Search by Name

Search by Name

Dr Athena Helena Maria GAVRIEL

Athena GAVRIEL Obituary

On 18th February, 2026, peacefully at Mary Potter Hospice, surrounded by her family, aged 68 years. Poet and leading advocate for cultural safety education in mental health practice. Loved daughter of Michael and Polydora Gavriel. Loved wife of Gerard (Gerry) Pratley. Much loved mother of Heleyni, Luke and Marika. Cherished Yiayia of Leonidas, Constandinos & Hazel. Messages and tributes can be sent to PO Box 14-366, Kilbirnie 6241 or placed in Athena's tribute book at www.hcfh.co.nz where you can also join the service via livestream. Special thanks to Dr Anup and Lisa and staff at Wellington Hospital and Mary Potter Hospice for their outstanding care. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Mary Potter Hospice www.marypotter.org.nz/support-us/donations A service for Athena will be held at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral "O Evangelismos tis Theotokou" (Annunciation of the Birth Giver of God), 3 Hania Street, Mount Victoria on Friday, 27th February, 2026 at 1.30pm, thereafter burial at Karori Cemetery.


Published by The Post from Feb. 24 to Feb. 25, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Athena GAVRIEL

Not sure what to say?





20 Entries

Margaret Martin

March 12, 2026

Dearest Athena a privilege to support your scholarship. A warrior woman and staunch about what was right and true...always sooo proud of her heritage and rightfully so. She planted the will to be fierce tough honourable on her children...and Gerry you loved and supported her...sleeping in the car waiting for her at varsity. Total admiration. Love you both and your children always xx Margi

Linda Baldwin

March 3, 2026

Athena and I were in the same training class at Porirua hospital in 1976 and have worked together on and off all these years. You will be missed. Have lovely to see our class photo on the service handout
Sincere condolences to Gerry and family, it will take a long time to grieve your loss

Sue Chamberlain

March 2, 2026

Gerry, Heleyni and family. I was so sad to hear that Athena has passed. She was such a wonderful woman. I treasured the conversations we had at folk festivals and events. I'm sorry I couldn't go to her funeral. May you find strength together at this time. Love Sue Chamberlain

Kevin Reid

March 1, 2026

Our thoughts are with you and your family on your sad loss of your wife. Take care Gerard .

Margaret McCabe Grealish

February 28, 2026

Gerry, Thoughts and Prayers and Blessins for you and your family. McCabe and Grealish families.

Maureen Cahill

February 28, 2026

Dear Gerry and Athena´s family, love and blessings at this sad time.
I knew Athena and Gerry from the Wellington Irish Society which they solidly supported for quite a few years. I am sorry I was not aware of your recent health journey as I had noticed you missing!
Rest in peace! Maureen and Marty .

Vasili and Yvonne

February 28, 2026

Athena was a kind woman unassuming and low key who always had time for everyone. Any advice given was thoughtful and measured. I will miss her texts and support. One hopes that she will be among dear friends and loved ones wherever she is now and that she looks down on her family with contentment watching the grandchildren grow and the next generation travelling through life. We lived in different times and shared wonderful memories of innocent days which I know she missed as much as we do. Rest in Peace till we meet again Athena.
Love to you all.

Anne-Marie

February 27, 2026

Always enjoyed our chats
Will treasure our friendship
Love to your lovely family

Mt Vic Hub

February 27, 2026

Athena was a pillar of the Matairangi community, alongside Gerry and the girls, she was always willing and ready to pitch in to whatever was going on.
Community and manaakitanga was a core element of how Athena looked out on the world. We have been lucky to have her in our lives and grieve for her passing.

Rebecca

February 26, 2026

Cheers to 60+ years of the loveliest friendship.
My love prayers and thoughts to all the family.
Rest in peace,my dear friend .

Fiona Gavriel

February 26, 2026

Thanks for the shared years and memories Athena. Too early but Rest in Peace. Fiona and Janet

Vassos Gavriel

February 26, 2026

Beloved granddaughter of George and Marika Soteros and Gavriel and Heleni Vassiliades. Beloved niece of Persephone, John and Athena Soteros and Xenia Philip.
She is survived by her: Aunt and Godmother Athena; Aunty Xenia; brothers Vassos, Andrew and Christos; sister-in-law Jenny, nieces and nephews Michael, Timothy and Olivia, John, Victoria and Josh; great-niece Noelle; and great-nephew Joseph. May her memory be eternal.

Christine

February 25, 2026

Athena was a very dear long time friend. We had known each other for 45 years. I am sad that she has gone and will miss her forever. No more suffering, rest in peace dear one. Love from Christine

Michael McKenzie

February 25, 2026

My sincere condolences Gerard our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Yours sincerely, Michael McKenzie.

Vassos Gavriel

February 25, 2026

Beloved granddaughter of George and Marika Soteros and Gavriel and Heleni Vassiliades. Beloved niece of Persephone, John and Athena Soteros and Xenia Philip.
She is survived by her: Aunt and Godmother Athena; Aunty Xenia; brothers Vassos, Andrew and Christos; sister-in-law Jenny, nieces and nephews Michael, Timothy and Olivia, John, Victoria and Josh; great-niece Noelle; and great-nephew Joseph. May her memory be eternal.

Ntombikayise Dube

February 24, 2026

You are an amazing woman Athena. Thank you for your support when I first arrived in Nz 20 years ago as well.as you encouragement and support with my post graduate studies. RIP

Gerard Burns

February 24, 2026

Prayers for all the family on Athena's passing. Always a gracious and wise presence in my experience. Sorry I won't be able to be at funeral in person.

John Gray, Fiji

February 24, 2026

Gerry ,

Our prayers & thoughts are with you at this very sad time.

Anne Mulcahy.

February 24, 2026

A wonderful friend.

George james soteros

February 24, 2026

She will be missed

Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results

Memorial Events
for Athena GAVRIEL

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.