A Meaningful Role
Gabby Martin stands at the front door of Piasecki Funeral Home in a professional suit and name tag. When visitors arrive, she swings the door open and offers a warm greeting. Since 2020, Gabby has served as a greeter in the funeral home where her father, Matt Martin, is Vice President and Managing Partner. Her presence provides a unique sense of comfort to families navigating difficult times.
Gabby chose this role at the funeral home because she wanted to welcome people. While she handles tasks like vacuuming and maintenance with the staff, her most impactful work involves her interactions with guests and families. Matt notes that Gabby carries herself with confidence, and her smile helps ease the sadness of those entering the building. Families often send thank you cards specifically mentioning her kindness. Matt notes these families, especially those with their own connection to the special needs community, feel a deep sense of comfort when they see Gabby in such an important role.
Gabby feels a sense of belonging and teamwork as she works alongside her father and the rest of the staff as an equal. When faced with new challenges, Gabby often takes a deep breath and says, “I can do it. I got this.”
Teamwork on the Field
Gabby brings that same determination to the baseball diamond too. Every August, she plays the field in the Challenger League, sponsored by Koos for Kids. This organization, started by former Milwaukee Brewers catcher Marcus Hanel, creates a space where children of all abilities can gather and enjoy the game of baseball as much as he does. Matt describes Hanel as a kind leader who ensures every child feels included. For Gabby, these games are a highlight of her summer and a chance to display her athletic spirit.
Life Beyond the Funeral Home
When she is not at work or on the field, Gabby stays actively engaged in the community and in the things she loves. A devoted sports fan, she proudly cheers her Milwaukee Brewers, with a special fondness for Jackson Chourio and Christian Yelich. Football Sundays often find her rooting for Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers, though she is just as happy tuning in to a few of the other quarterbacks across the NFL who have caught her eye… wink, wink!
Gabby also attends Camp Kesem, a national program that supports children who have lost a parent to cancer. She began attending after the death of her mother, Cori, when Gabby was just 11 years old. Cori was a funeral director at Piasecki Funeral Home, and her loss profoundly shaped Gabby’s life. Camp Kesem has since given Gabby a place where she can be surrounded by other children who understand her experience and share a similar story.
Another of Gabby’s passions is flying. She has always loved taking to the skies and eagerly looks forward to every opportunity to fly with her father. From listening intently to air traffic control and pretending she is speaking with the tower to wearing her own aviation headset, flying gives Gabby a sense of freedom that she and her dad deeply enjoy sharing together.
Leading with Heart
At Bradford High School, Gabby is a well-known and beloved presence. She was selected as the 2025 Homecoming Queen, an honor Matt believes reflects her genuine, open-hearted nature. “Not once did I think they were voting for her because she has special needs,” he said. “She just loves with her whole heart, and all the kids see that.”
Gabby’s connection to the school runs deep. She was invited to join the cheerleading team as an incoming freshman after the coach noticed her enthusiastically mimicking routines from the stands, and she has remained part of the program throughout her high school years. Now a senior, Gabby also helps care for K9 Millie, the funeral home’s therapy dog, who occasionally joins her in a matching cheerleader uniform.
Gabby plans to continue her education after high school by joining a program for young adults to learn life and job skills. Her advice for other students with special needs is simple; “You can do it!”
