Gisela Marie McBride, 57, went to be with her Lord and Savior after a long struggle with cancer. She passed on the morning of July 2, 2015 and was surrounded by her family and friends in her home in Blue Ridge, Texas.
Gisela was born October 19, 1957, in Giessen Germany to Willie and Marie Schafer of Giessen Germany.
She married her Soul Mate Dennis McBride on March 20th, 1980 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Gisela raised two daughters and was an Army Wife for over 22 years. During this time her husband’s Army career left her home alone for extended periods of time. Gisela was an independent mother and wife who became a proficient electrician, carpenter, and plumber so the honey-do list was always short. She always kept the home fires burning. After retiring from the Army, she and her husband purchased and operated a KOA Campground and RV Park in Van Horn, Texas for 15 years. Gisela worked and managed the daily operations of the Cafe, finances, and the parks overall operations. She never met a stranger and always helped those who needed it!
She is survived by her husband, Dennis McBride, of Blue Ridge, Texas; daughter, Jennifer Purser and her husband Brian Purser of Blue Ridge, Texas; daughter, Tanja McBride of Las Cruces, New Mexico; sister, Connie Schake and her husband Rubi Schake of Giessen Germany; sister, Doris Hauft, of Rusidersheim Germany; mother and father-in-law William and LaDonna McBride of Princeton, Texas; seven grand children and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by Melanie and Michelle Schilling, two very special friends, who were like daughters to her; and Fred Porter, who she loved like a brother. Gisela will be missed by all whose lives she touched!
She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Schafer, mother, Marie Schafer, and brother Clous Schafer.
A viewing was held on Sunday, July 5th, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 104 N. Main St., Blue Ridge, Texas, 75424. Services followed at 3:00pm. Burial was in Blue Ridge Cemetery in Blue Ridge, Texas.
Memorials may be made to: Texas Oncology, 12221 Merit Dr., Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75251
