Search by Name

Search by Name

Gayle Nylander Obituary

MEDWAY Gayle L. Nylander, 39 of Medway died peacefully at her home surrounded by her family and friends on Thursday, August 20, 2009 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Milford on June 20, 1970, she was a daughter of Mary June (Bartlett) Nylander of Medway and the late Gary K. Nylander. Gayle was a Medway resident for most of her life and had also resided in Boston for 10 years. She graduated from Medway High School in 1988 where she was Class Treasurer and Captain in the sport of Cheerleading. After completing high school she went on to the N.E. Baptist School of Nursing graduating in 1991 as president of her class. She continued on earning her Bachelors of Science Degree from UMass Boston in 2001. Gayle was a registered nurse at Brigham & Womens Hospital in Boston in the Hematology Oncology unit for 17 years. There Gayle had an extensive family of nurse friends who she loved and cared for deeply. Gayles hobbies included dancing at Fred Luciers School of Dance from a young age into her late teens. She thoroughly enjoyed traveling to such places as Spain and Greece. She was an active volunteer at the annual Relay For Life in Medway. She loved nature and the outdoors, especially camping with her family as a child. She also loved spending time at her parents pool always taking photos of special moments with her family. Gayles daughter Abigayle was the light of her life. Gayle cherished each and every moment with her whether at Choate Park looking for frogs or spending the day at the zoo. Besides her mother, she is survived by her fianc, Joseph Simpson and daughter, Abigayle Erica Nylander-Simpson, two sisters, Patricia Spitnale and her husband Brent of Sparta, NJ and Heather Duke and her husband Jay of Newburyport and two brothers, Gary Nylander Jr. and his wife Lisa of Milford and Eric Nylander and his wife Rosemary Suty of Medway, her brother-in-law Michael Souza of Medway, and many nieces and nephews. She was a sister of the late Mary June Souza and aunt of the late Nicholas Souza. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Mass on Thursday, August 27 at 11 a.m. at the Christ Episcopal Church, 14 School St. in Medway. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in West Medway. Calling hours will be held on Wednesday evening from 5 - 9 p.m. at the Ginley-Crowley Funeral Home (www.ginleyfuneralhomes.com), 3 Barber Street in Medway.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milford Daily News from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Gayle Nylander

Not sure what to say?





September 1, 2009

I was deeply saddened by the news of her passing. I worked with her for quite some time on Hem/Onc as the unit secratry. She was a delight and will be deeply missed.

Derlin Ryner(Mattapan,Ma)

August 31, 2009

I remember sitting with MJ and Gayle in the report room on CWN 7 and listening to how great their family is. They were comparing their coats from Christmas and loved each other so much. I am sure they are together looking over your family.
God Bless.
We are all lucky to have known Gayle!

J Porter

August 26, 2009

Family and friends of Gayle:
You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead.

Like the ripples in a pond, the work of one can spread out and touch the lives of many others....Gayle will always be in our hearts and memories.

Ellen Irons

August 26, 2009

I had the pleasure of working with Gayle in preparation for our 20th high school reunion. Her loyalty to our class went far beyond the call of duty. I will always remember Gayle's playful nature with her friends and her kind spirit. She will be greatly missed but she will live on in Abigayle. Thank you to all who took such great care of her during these last 2 years!

Vicki Garino

August 26, 2009

I was deeply saddened to hear of Gayle's passing. Having known her since we were little through dancing school, and then when I moved to Medway in high school, I remember her as always being friendly, sweet, and able to light up a room with her smile.

My heart goes out to the Nylander family and friends having to deal with the loss of such an extraordinary woman. My thoughts are with you all.

Peace & Love

August 26, 2009

I am so sorry to hear about Gayle. I worked with her before here at BWH. She was a beautiful person inside and out. My thoughts are with her family. It is a sad loss for our nursing community. Kristina(Weymouth,ma)

Barbara Fasolino

August 25, 2009

I feel blessed to have known Gayle and will cherish the great memories I have of her. She was a beautiful fun person and a wonderful mom to Abigayle.

Robin Whealan (Kaufman)

August 25, 2009

Gayle will always be remembered as beautiful, courageous, & inspirational to all of us. Her smile would light up any room she walked into. My fondest memory of Gayle was during our Baltimore trip 2 years ago...she ALWAYS had a smile on her face and was so full of zest for life. We know her spirit will continue to sparkle through her daughter, Abigayle. May peace be with all of you during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Robin, Jim, Megan, Meredith, and Cameron

moira manning

August 25, 2009

Gayle's presence will be forever remembered...
as a strikingly beautiful woman...
a woman with grace and dignity...
a woman with strength and courage...
a woman who when she smiled...
love and compassion emulated from her...
god bless you all..
...with love always

Paula DiGiovine

August 25, 2009

i am so sorry to hear of Gayle's passing. I worked with her at the Brigham. She was a kind and bright person and nurse.

peter short

August 25, 2009

My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to your family, i'm so sorry for you loss. Gayle was a kind, sweet, person, and will be missed by everyone who knew her.

Steve Hackenburg

August 25, 2009

I was very saddened to learn of Gayle's passing. While it has been many years since I have seen Gayle, like most of us, I revisit fond memories of days in the past. When these thoughts stray to UMass and the Wheeler dorm, it is impossible not to see Gayle's shining and happy face. My condolences to her family.

August 24, 2009

It was ALWAYS a pleasure spending time with Gayle at the Kaufman house. As we gather for future birthdays and holidays, it is without doubt that although we will miss her physical presence...Gayle will be with us in spirit.

There is an expression that states some people have smiles that can light up a room, well Gayle's lit up the whole darn house!!!

Much love to Abigayle, all of Gayle's family and all of her friends.

Fondly,
Frank and Elizabeth Yered
David, Emily and Mason

August 24, 2009

Gayle was a lovely, sweet girl with a fun laugh and neat way. Her light will shine bright for years to come.

~ Ciara Maguire

Cindy Shore Wadness

August 24, 2009

Gayle's passing has left so many with unimaginable grief. She was an extraordinarily beautiful person who despite the tragedies she and her family have been through in recent years has always shown incredible strength, grace and even wit. I looked up to her as a mentor here at BWH and looked forward to our every 3rd weekend together, always knowing that our patients would be safe but also that work would be more fun and real with Gayle around. She will be sorely missed and my deepest condolences go out to her family and sweet little Abigayle.

David Howe

August 24, 2009

When I think of Gayle, I think of someone with great spirit and of someone fun.
Whenever I saw her we ended up laughing over some memory, or we came up with a new reason to laugh.
That's how I'll remember her.

My most sincere condolences to Mrs. Nylander, Heather and all of Gayle's family.

She was a true friend to many.

Greg Trainor

August 24, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle's family. She gave so much of herself to helping everyone and to everything she did. The world will miss a very wonderful women.

August 24, 2009

I'm so sorry to hear of Gayle's passing, I remember her taking dancing at my Uncle's studio,"Lucier's school of dancing" she was a great dancer

Carol Prone

August 24, 2009

I have seen Gayle grow from a young inexperienced new graduate to one of the most thoughtful and compassionate nurses I know. We will all miss her on CWN7. She was truely beautiful inside and out.

Lisa Gallo

August 24, 2009

I was so very sorry to read of Gayle's passing. My deepest sympathies to the entire Nylander family...

Tim Choate

August 24, 2009

My condolences to all of the family and friends of Gayle. She truly was a one of a kind and special woman. May she rest in peace and be forever remembered.

Deb Dexter

August 24, 2009

I was blessed to be friends with Gayle as long as I have. She made the days brighter, the smiles wider, and the laughter louder. My heart aches for those she loved and all those who loved her. Forever in my heart Gaylee.

Darla Prentice (Greene)

August 24, 2009

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Biocchi Family

August 24, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Nancy Petrocelli Milliken

August 24, 2009

I had the privilege of meeting Gayle many years ago at UMASS and have many fun memories of our time together. My deepest condolences to her family.

Erin, Dirk and Jack Anderson

August 24, 2009

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Rest in peace, Gayle, and our deepest sympathies to your loving family and friends.

Nancy Harrison

August 24, 2009

Our deepest sympathies to all of Gayle's family. May your many wonderful memories of her be a great comfort and healing to you all.
Nancy Harrison and family (BWH - Labor & Delivery)

Laura Ozella

August 24, 2009

This has been a very sad few years for the Nylander Family losing so many wonderful family members in such a short time. I pray that the family remains strong at this time and always. Remember fond memories and continue to keep the faith.

With Deepest Sympathy!!

Laura Ozella & Family

Krista (Cudhea) Herrlein

August 24, 2009

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle's family and friends.

David Yered

August 24, 2009

You can use many words to describe our dear Gaylee but the one that stands out the most is “beautiful”. She was just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside and to have known her is just an amazing feeling. The more and more I look back I’m remembering how great she really was and how many people she touched in so many ways. In recent years there have been too many family tragedies involving the Nylander family and through it all Gayle always managed to keep a smile on her face. Even in her last couple of days that she was here with us she still managed to get a smile in here and there even with all the pain she was in. Her strength and courage during her battle was immeasurable and she fought more than anyone could ever have. Gayle’s spirit will live on thru her beautiful daughter Abigayle and we can all take a little bit of solace in that. She will be sorely missing by friends, family and anyone else that had the privilege to have known her. Gaylee was my best friend and she will be in my heart forever.
Love David

August 24, 2009

My thoughts, are with you all. I cannot imagine your heartbreak. Remember how much Gayle loved each of you and what an amazing family you are.

Wendy Wright

T

August 24, 2009

My heart goes out to the Nylander family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
employee @ DFCI (D11).

August 24, 2009

My heart goes out to the Nylander family. I'm so very sorry for your loss.
employee @ DFCI (D11).

Kathleen Foley

August 23, 2009

I read this poem and I feel it truly represents Gayle:
"To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people & the affection of children; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better by a healthy child or a garden patch; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded." She touched many lives including mine. We'll miss you!!

Meg Grant-Moloney

August 23, 2009

I have happy memories of Gayle from third floor Wheeler at UMASS. She was a very special person. May she rest in peace.

Jennifer Connors

August 23, 2009

Gayle was one of my best friends. She had more "best friends" than anyone I have ever known. She had joie de vivre. Her love of life emminated from her; the way she looked and presented herself so beautifuly and elegantly all the time. She loved to experience and interact with the world around her. She was immensly kind, generous, and thoughtful. She was so funny, make you laugh until you cry and snort out loud funny. She was the nurse that you wanted to care for your family, smart, always on top of things, and respecting patients dignity during their most vulnerable times. Gayle was an angel on this earth and it will not be the same without her. Her Abigayle is very much like her Mom, its amazing, she has the Gayle joy of life. The Nylanders have a wonderful, fun, strong family as Gayle recently reminded me. My love to you all. I will miss my Gaylee so much.
Love Jennifer

Laura Kane

August 23, 2009

The loss of Gayle makes me very sad. I worked with Gayle on CWN7 at times I will always remember her smile. My thoughts and prayers are will her family at this time. She will be very missed.
Laura Kane
OB Float Pool

August 23, 2009

l will always remember Gayle's sweetness, fantastic sense of humor and kind, caring heart. May we all take comfort in looking at Abigayle, a beautiful little girl that will carry on the light that Gayle always brought into the room. Goodbye friend.. we love you and you will never, ever be forgotten.

Stacy Barber

August 23, 2009

I am so saddened to hear of the loss of Gayle. I worked with her on CWN7 and she was always such a joy to be around. She was a kind and loving nurse and person. She was always easy to talk to and always had a smile on her face even through the rougher times in her life. I always remember her having concern about others and what was going on in others lives never dwelling on her own. I am honored to have known her. She made such a fond impact on everyone she encountered. She was a beautiful person inside and out and again I am so extremely saddened to hear of this unfair loss.

August 23, 2009

To the Nylander families,

My heart aches as I'm reading that you have lost yet another beloved family member far too soon. Please accept my sincere condolences. You'll be in my prayers.

a Medway resident

Shannon Fay

August 23, 2009

I worked with Gayle for about a year and a half at BWH and looked forward to our chats in the report room. She was a special person and a special nurse. I will miss her but I know she is in a good place. My deepest condolences to her family.

Julio Toro

August 23, 2009

Gayle was a beautiful, kind and loving person. I just can't believe how unfair life can be for some people. I will always remember her.

Melanie Dawson

August 23, 2009

The strength and courage of a mother is often seen through her child. Gayle's courage will be remembered each time Abigayle walks into the classroom and lights up the room. Gayle will be deeply missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Gayle and her family.

Lauren Willard

August 23, 2009

Gayle was truly a special person and I will keep her in my heart always. Even on the tough days, coming to work while recieving chemo, she always had a smile. I can't believe she's gone. God has taken one of the best. Rest in Peace Gayle.

Kimberly Thurston

August 23, 2009

Your kindness, generosity, and selflessness were a gift to all of us. A beautiful person and life that ended way too soon. Forever you will be in my heart. I miss you and will miss you always.

My deepest sympathies to your family and friends who loved you dearly.

kelly morga n

August 23, 2009

I only worked with Gayle for about a year; but I have worked with the rest of her family (including MJ), but more specifically June for over 10 yrs. My heart breaks for the entire family. I am soooo sorry for everything you all have had to endure. Words can not express what I feel for you. I will keep you all in my heart and prayers.

Much love and healing,
Kelly

Laura Crowley-FitzPatrick

August 23, 2009

I had the pleasure of being a friend of Gayle's through nursing school. We had alot of laughs and good times. She was a very caring and compassionate nurse. I'm so sad to hear of her passing, she truly was a beautiful person inside and out. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Gayle, See you in heaven!

Doreen Landry

August 23, 2009

To a very special friend who will be missed but never forgotten.An incredibly courageous person and a most compassionate nurse.I was so lucky to have met Gayle through her sister MJ.Over the years we developed a very special friendship that I will hold in my heart forever!!! May you rest in Peace My Friend!I love you!

Courtney Ruggiero

August 23, 2009

Gayle was truly a very special person, a great friend who always had a good story to share. She will be missed greatly by so many, this is a tremendous loss. My prayers are with her daughter and family, my heart goes out to you.

Vickie (Wojdylak) Sullivan

August 23, 2009

Words cannot begin to tell you how sorry I was to hear of Gayle's passing. She was far too young to be taken from you.

When I think back to the times I shared with her it brings a smile to my face, even in the midst of such sadness. She was always so full of life and so much fun to be around.

It is my hope that knowing that she left her mark on so many will help you a little during this most difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all and especially her little girl.

August 23, 2009

My most heartfelt condolences go out to your entire family for the loss of Gayle. She will ALWAYS be remembered for her contagious smile, uplifting spirit and love of life. All that were privileged to have known her are blessed to get to meet such a wonderful angelic human being.
Ryan Savoia

Terri Balabanis

August 23, 2009

My thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle's family in this most difficult time. She was such a wonderful person. May she rest in peace, and may your wonderful memories bring you comfort.

Heather Tringle (Petitt)

August 22, 2009

I'm so sorry to hear about Gayle's courageous fight & battle with cancer. She was such a wonderful person when we all grew up...I'm sorry to hear that such a lovely person is no longer with us. God bless you, Gayle & our prayers and thoughts go out to the family left behind. Peace be with you all in this difficult time.

Catherine Rivard-Lamont

August 22, 2009

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Tracy, Matt and Chloe Landry

August 22, 2009

Gayle was a beautiful angel inside and out. There are no words to describe the loss of such an outstanding person.
Our thoughts are with the family.

Michele (Moriarty) Marks

August 22, 2009

Gayle has left behind thousands of memories that will live in the hearts of anyone that has ever had the pleasure of knowing her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends.

Finn Maguire

August 22, 2009

Gayle was an angel and a beautiful soul and I feel privileged to have been her friend. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Karen (Small) Carneiro and Family

August 22, 2009

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Kristen Kaufman

August 22, 2009

A beautiful angel who will be missed by so many. You touched so many lives in your short 39 years and you will never be forgotten. You will be in our hearts and minds forever. You were a class act and so beautiful in every possible way. Abigayle will always know what an incredible mom and woman you were.
We love you and miss you so much!
Kristen, Adam, Emily, Kevin and Remy ;o)

David Hughes

August 22, 2009

Peace be with you and your family Gayle. You are in our thoughts.

Showing 1 - 60 of 60 results

Make a Donation
in Gayle Nylander's name

Memorial Events
for Gayle Nylander

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Gayle's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gayle Nylander's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more