Sister Patricia Gale, R.S.M.,  a Brooklyn native and a member of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Mid-Atlantic Community for 61 years, died on Aug. 7 at the Sisters of Mercy Convent in Whitestone. She was 79.

Formerly known as Sister Mary Chabanel, she entered the Sisters of Mercy novitiate in Syosset, L.I., in 1958 and professed her final vows in 1963.

She taught for many years in the Diocese of Brooklyn, including at St. Brigid (1960-62),  St. Gerard Majella, Hollis (1962-71) and  St. Gregory (1971-73).  She was a guidance counselor (1973-76) at Unity Catholic School, Crown Heights, and served as principal there from 1976 to 1985.

She served as a director of formation and administrator in her community from 1985 until 2002, when she became the director of guidance at the former Catherine McAuley H.S., East Flatbush. From 2003 until her retirement in 2010, she served as a co-director of the boarding program at the school.

A funeral Mass was held at the Sisters of Mercy Convent. Burial was in Holy Cross Cemetery, Canarsie.