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BARBARA GAYL Obituary
August 28, 1933 - September 8, 2025
Barbara "Zoe" Gayl, also known as Freedman, recently passed away at the age of 92 in Phoenix, AZ, with her son Joe holding her hand.
Born in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on August 28, 1933, she later moved to Detroit in 1953 and became a U.S. citizen. She graduated from Wayne State University and later earned her Master's degree from Oakland University. Barbara went on to teach school for 19 years in the West Bloomfield School System.
In 1991, she made the bold decision to move to Santa Fe, NM - despite never having visited the state - because of her admiration for Georgia O'Keeffe. She resided there for the next 32 years, forming wonderful friendships and embracing the lifestyle she loved.
In 2023, she relocated to Phoenix, AZ, to be closer to her family.
Barbara is survived by her son, Joe Freedman; his wife, Linda Freedman; their son, Jacob Freedman; as well as by her daughter, Jill Welton, and her daughter, Savannah Welton.
If you are interested in sending a donation in her name,
please direct it to:
Congregation Beit Tikva Santa Fe
P.O. Box 24094
Santa Fe, NM 87094
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for BARBARA GAYL
Sponsored by The Santa Fe New Mexican.
2 Entries
Dale Schrage
October 14, 2025
Zoe was a good friend in Santa Fe. She will be missed.
Larry Sullivan
October 10, 2025
May she rest in peace
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