Gabrielle Diane Rensch (née Davidson) passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Monday, October 20, 2025, at her residence in Ocean Hall in Moncton, N.B. She was 81.
Born in Toronto, Ontario in 1944, Gabrielle moved to the Maritimes in the late 1970s, first settling in rural Prince County, P.E.I., and later in southeastern New Brunswick. She was a long-term resident of Sackville, N.B. and, more recently, of Riverview in the Greater Moncton Area.
Gabrielle was a woman of many talents and great ambition. She began studying classical violin as a teenager in Toronto and by her mid-twenties was awarded the Associate Diploma (ARCT), the highest academic certificate from the Royal Conservatory of Music. By the 1970s, her love of classical music and desire to forge her own path had drawn her to New York City. There, she found work as a professional violist in the Newark Symphony Orchestra of Newark, New Jersey, where she met her eventual husband, Robert Paul Rensch, a French horn player in the ensemble.
After Gabrielle and Robert moved to the Maritimes, Gabrielle took up the craft of knitting, the second great skill of her life. What began as a hobby making baby blankets for her young son Evan, soon turned into a full-time outlet for her creativity. Gabrielle started designing her own knitwear, and eventually founded a small business, Cheviot Sweaters, which featured intricately made garments inspired by nature and Celtic lore. After spending over thirty years making knitted items, it’s safe to say that there was nothing too complex for Gabrielle to create; she had patience, discipline, and a craftsperson’s uncompromising work ethic that allowed her to excel at whatever she set her mind to. She was an artist, with all of the accompanying sensitivities and appreciation for beauty that call an artist to work.
Gabrielle was also a deeply humble person of the kindest and purest heart, and she valued compassion as highly as she valued artistic excellence. She gave to many causes and organizations and was a keen follower of world events. Though she did not get the chance to see it in person, she often dreamed of Scotland and reconnecting with her Scottish traveller heritage. She felt a strong kinship with the outsider perspective of Scottish travellers and shared their reverence for justice, craft, music, and folklore.
An introvert by nature, Gabrielle took particular enjoyment in the company of animals. She had many dogs, cats, and rabbits throughout her life and she doted on each and every one of them. She also took pleasure in watching and feeding the wild birds of New Brunswick and knew a great deal about their songs and migration habits. In her later years, she dedicated her life to adopting a series of elderly dogs from rescue organizations. To say those dogs were lucky to end up with her is an understatement—she treated every one as if it was her own child, determined to give them dignity, love and a happy life. She is now reunited with her dogs Max, Charlie, Rex, Teddy, Lydia, Frosty, and Daffodil, along with all the other creatures she loved without condition.
Gabrielle is predeceased by her husband Robert, and survived by her only son, Evan Charles Rensch (Elaine) of Dawson City, Yukon. In keeping with Gabrielle’s wishes, there will be no visitation hours or funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Moncton PAWS (People for Animal Wellbeing) in Gabrielle’s memory.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted into the professional care and direction of Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre & Fergusons Crematorium, 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB. (506) 857-9544.
Online condolences may be shared and expressed at www.FergusonsRiverview.com
