Gisele A. (Hebert) McCalla

Gisele A. (Hebert) McCalla, 88, of Girard, PA and Deerfield Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025.

She was born March 11, 1937, a daughter to the late Fred and Lottie (Gabourie) Hebert, in Edmundston, New Brunswick, Canada.

Gisele graduated in 1955 from Conway Academy High School in Edmundston. Her French-Canadian upbringing contributed to her fluency in the French language. It wasn’t long before she met the love of her life, Bill, and together they began a family. They eventually made their way to the Erie, Pennsylvania area, where they built a life rooted in hard work and love.

In her early years, Gisele worked at O’Leary Dental while embracing her role as the quintessential homemaker. She found joy in cooking and made it a priority to provide her family with a warm, homemade dinner each evening. Summers were often spent returning to Canada on family vacations, tending to the garden and canning with the whole family.

Later, Gisele held steady employment at Sears for many years as a home decor sales associate until her retirement. Afterward, she and Bill enjoyed life as “snowbirds,” spending over 20 winters in Florida.

Gisele had a gift for hospitality. She loved gathering friends and family in the evenings, her warm and welcoming nature making her a gracious host. She and Bill often played cards late into the night, enjoying the company and simple pleasures of life. Organized and thoughtful, Gisele approached every area of life with care and foresight.

A devoted member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, Gisele lived her faith with quiet strength. But above all else, she cherished her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the center of her world—she laughed, played, and guided them with love as they grew. Through the years, a loyal dachshund was always by her side.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William C. McCalla II, whom she married on October 26, 1957; a son in infancy, William McCalla; sisters, Jacqueline and Claudette; and brothers, Jacques and Gerald.

She will be greatly missed by her family which includes her daughter, Lisa Phillips; sons, Kevin McCalla (Jan) and Brian McCalla (Jen); grandchildren, Devin Phillips, Lindsay Krout (Bechir), Andrew McCalla; great-grandchildren, Zach Caudle, Liam Krout, and Izzy Phillips; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Erie Humane Society, 2407 Zimmerly Road, Erie, PA 16506.

Friends may call on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 11:00 am to the time of service at 1:00 pm. at the Edder Family Funeral Home, LLC, 309 Main St. E, Girard, PA. Burial to follow at Girard Cemetery.

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