Gabrielle "Gabby" Leifeld

Gabrielle "Gabby" Leifeld, 53, passed away peacefully in her home in Breezy Point, MN, late Wednesday night, September 23, 2026, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family following a fierce and courageous battle with cancer.

Gabby was born in Pennsylvania on July 21, 1973, to Jay Sr. and Linda May. On September 17, 1994, she married the love of her life, Stephen Leifeld, beginning a beautiful partnership that spanned more than three decades. Together they raised two sons who were the pride of her life: Nicholas "Nick" and Nathan "Nate." Later, her son Nick married Calista, whom shecherished dearly.

Above all titles, Gabby treasured being a mother and a grandmother. Her greatest joy in the world was her grandson, Theodore "Teddy," whose laughter lit up her life and fueled her fight.

Gabby had a vibrant spirit and poured her heart into her passions and the creatures that she loved. She had a particular adoration for golden retrievers. Her garden was a sanctuary of color and care, her kitchen a place of comfort, and her sewing room a home for creation. During the holidays, she delighted everyone with batches of homemade Christmas cookies, baked goods, and chocolates. Gabby was captivated by the movie Tangled—a favorite she watched on repeat and easily enjoyed thousands of times, by her eldest son’s estimates.

In February 2026, Gabby was diagnosed with metastatic uterine leiomyosarcoma, a rare and very aggressive cancer. She met every step of the journey with determination, grace, and unending resilience. She exhausted every treatment option available before transitioning to hospice care to be surrounded by those she loved most in her final days.

Gabby is survived by her devoted husband, Stephen Leifeld; her loving sons, Nick Leifeld (and his wife, Calista) and Nate Leifeld; her beloved grandson, Theodore "Teddy" Leifeld; her parents, Jay Sr. and Linda May; her two brothers, Jay and Josh; and her beloved golden retriever, Lily.

Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace, free of pain, and reunited with her beloved dogs: Holly, Bentley, Lucy, and Gus. Gabby’s wishes were to be cremated and buried in Pelican Woods Cemetery in Breezy Point, MN, where her husband Steve will eventually rest.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Gabby's memory to the Sarcoma Foundation of America or the Heartland Animal Rescue.