Obituary of Epiphany-Gael Cauwels

May 1, 2023

We are sad to announce the passing of Epiphany-Gael Cauwels of Manhattan. She died at age 59 on May 1, 2023. Piphy, as she was known to her friends and family, passed away surrounded by her loved ones after a long battle with cancer. Piphy is survived by her sister Kira Mendez and husband Steve, nephew Greg Mendez and wife Veronica, and niece Victoria Rose Mendez.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite animal charity.

Funeral Services

Visitation

May 6, 2023

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

May 7, 2023

2:00 PM - 5:00PM to 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Greenwich Village Funeral Home

199 Bleecker Street

New York, NY 10012

Get Directions

Burial

May 8, 2023

11:30 AM

Mary Rest Cemetery

770 Darlington Avenue

Mahwah, NJ 07430

Get Directions

Share a Memory

The Obituaries are currently being upgraded. Please contact us to report any issues.

Hi Piphy, I keep thinking out SOUCH (our 'I Love You So So So Much' that got distorted by your speech-to-text) and how we were supposed to get matching SOUCH tattoos in cursive on our fingers. I miss you already. I can still feel that train ride so many years ago that changed our relationship forever. The train was bouncing and shaking as you proposed that we become honest and real with each other, despite my addiction and your illnesses. That we always tell each other the truth and you will look at my adiction as an illness instead of a reason to cut me off emotionally (which had just failed to work, hence this new idea). This changed our relationship forever and we continued to "break things" in our quest to break down barriers and family traumas. You and I, "breaking things," our reltionship, and SOUCH. Those are just some of the core memories I have of you, my beloved aunt. You did not have children, and always said that my brother Greg and I were your children (and called us "the kids" when speaking of us, often protectively). Greg and I were each holding one of your hands near the end and told you, "yes, we are your kids. Your kids are here and we love you so much." I hope you heard us and felt the love. <3 Love, Rose


Posted by: Rose Mendez - New York, New York - Family May 2, 2023

New York City’s lights got dimmer. Epiphany Gael (Piphy)I met you at roses turn long ago and your charm put a Smile on everyone’s face. You always loved when I sang “Pure Imagination “ I’ll miss the fun and conversations. May you Rest in peace dear friend ? ? — at Marie's Crisis.


Posted by: Michael Beau - New York , New York - Friend May 2, 2023

I have such fond memories of you in my twenties. You hosting some very cool parties in your apartment. You introducing me to Chamboard and getting me so terribly drunk. Where did all this time go? What did it buy us? I’ll tell you, it bought a lifetime of memories with you! You were always kind, considerate and generous. You made everyone around you feel special! I hope you reach your final destination with peace and love, painless from the worries of this world. Till we all meet you again! ?


Posted by: Robert Bucaro - Wallington , New Jersey - Friend May 3, 2023

My thoughts are with Kira & family.


Posted by: Bonnie Graef (Brown) - , New Jersey - Friend May 4, 2023

Gael was my classmate in high school. I'm so sorry to hear of her passing. Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends. She was such a nice person. May she rest in peace.


Posted by: Kathleen Toolen - Hackensack, NJ - Classmate May 5, 2023

Pippy my Shinette Sister, I will remember the first day we met.. I will remember the last day we spoke, I will remember and miss the three hour phone calls about the beach, booze and guys and heaven. I will remember and miss your infectious laugh. Until we meet again.. you know where to find me.. I’ll be listening for your laughter. And know this, the world will not be the same without you. Mint for you today, mint for me tomorrow and mint for us forever. Love you, Pip, see you when I get there!!


Posted by: Chrissy Higgins - Huntington , New York - Friend May 6, 2023

Piphy, you were so kind to me from the moment we met. I remember not understanding why you seemed to like me so much but I am sure blessed you did. You took me into your friend circle and showed me nothing but love. Your beautiful presence at my wedding to "Grecco" and all you went through to get to Vegas will never be forgotten. You trekked to Jersey when you weren't feeling too well for my 40th birthday party and I still have the gift certificate you gave me to hold on to until you could join me in NYC to go shopping there with me. I will go in your honor now. You are so missed, so treasured and so loved. Thank you for being a friend to me.


Posted by: Lana Grecco - MAHWAH, NJ - Friend May 19, 2023
Greenwich Village Funeral Home is a Member of:

Metropolitan Funeral Directors Association LogoNational Funeral Directors Association LogoGreen Burial Council LogoGreenwich Village Chamber of Commerce LogoPrePlan LogoCFF LogoCANA Logo