Gayle Elizabeth Forgrave, age 77, passed away peacefully at the family cottage in Innisfil on July 12, 2024. She is survived by her loving husband, Gordon, her daughter Karen (Steven) and her granddaughter Laura. She is also missed by her sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Helen McKay (Tom) and nieces Ann (Jim) and Julie. Gayle’s thoughtfulness, generosity and great sense of humour helped her develop many life-long friends that were like family. Her friends and loved ones will remember Gayle’s practical jokes and her fun-loving attitude that “you can get older but can stay immature forever”.

Gayle excelled at school, and rather than become a teacher right after high school, she attended the University of Toronto for her Bachelor’s of Science and later completed her Master of Education, unusual for women teachers at the time. A natural caregiver and advocate for students with learning challenges, Gayle got great satisfaction from her work as a primary teacher for the Etobicoke (and then Toronto) Board of Education. For the last fifteen years of her career, she loved teaching students with learning disabilities how to read, even when medical experts had deemed it “impossible”. She continued to receive letters and cards from students and their families, long after she retired.

Gayle loved to travel, and especially enjoyed cruising. She continued to travel even after she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and discovered the perks of shorter travel lines in the airport for wheelchairs. She introduced her granddaughter to cruising at 7 months old, and they shared a passion for heading on board and being the first to get an ice cream cone. Gayle loved ice cream and continued to have it as a daily dessert right up until her passing.

Being part of a church community was important to Gayle throughout her life. She enjoyed teaching Sunday School and being part of the “Young People’s Group” at Centennial United Church on Dovercourt Road, where she and Gordon were married in 1976. She started attending St. James United in Etobicoke in 1990, and over the years was an active volunteer in many capacities, and enjoyed social activities such as the church bridge group. She was always proud to see Laura sing in the junior/youth choir.

Gayle loved entertaining friends and family, whether it be at the family cottage in the summer, a simple dinner, or their annual New Year’s Eve Party. It is fitting that she has a hand-written note requesting that there be a party after her funeral to enjoy her life, where people should share funny stories and special moments rather than be sad. Please join us in celebrating the lasting love of this wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, educator and friend on Saturday July 20, 2024 at St. James United Church, 400 Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke. Visitation from 3-4pm, Funeral Service at 4pm, Catered Reception (Dinner) to follow.

Donations to St. James United Church Youth Fund or Parkinson Canada are appreciated.