Gayle D. Barrett

Gayle D. Barrett, age 75, of Meadville, passed away December 25, 2025, in Marquette Hospice House.

She was born on March 25, 1950, the daughter of James L. and Bertha (Ryser) Gray.

On September 7, 1974, Gayle married Bruce Barrett, he survives.

She was a 1968 graduate of West Allegheny High School and a graduate of Ohio Valley General Hospital School of Nursing. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree from Slippery Rock University and later her Master’s degree from Clarion University. A dedicated registered nurse and nursing instructor, she served at Spencer Hospital and Meadville Medical Center. She also shared her knowledge and passion for nursing as an instructor at Butler County Community College, Clarion University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

Gayle didn't ever expect to teach nursing but found out that she enjoyed it immensely and was excellent at what she did. It also required her to return to school and to obtain a Master's degree! She was a voracious reader of Star Trek, mysteries, and Stephen King books. She was a prolific perfectionist in cross-stitch and needlepoint. She loved her children and grandchildren of whom she was always proud. She would encourage everyone to read "On Beyond Zebra" to their young children or grandchildren. Her perfect happiness would be on a beach watching her family. She believed you should be kind and considerate to those around you. She always worked hard on things that were important to her. She followed her grandmother's advice: "always look forward in your life. That is where you will find God waiting to help you." She once described herself as "stubborn, pig-headed, opinionated and cute" LOL. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Meadville and SIGMA THETA TAU Nursing Sorority. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and sister taken too soon after a long battle with colon cancer.

In addition to her husband of 51 years, she is survived by two sons, Eric Barrett (Heather) of Cincinnati, Brian Barrett (Kevin Urda) of Pittsburgh; a daughter Sarah Loper (Doug) of Cochranton; eight grandchildren, Eli Barrett, Samuel Barrett, Isabella Beaver, Abbigail Holden, Isabelle Holden, Nicolas Pelino, Hektor Barrett, and Mark Barrett.

She is preceded in death by her parents, brother, George Gray, and sister- in- law Diane Gray.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to ROSE AND WAID FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 581 CHESTNUT STREET, MEADVILLE.

Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice House of Crawford County Inc., 776 Liberty St,. Meadville PA 16335.

Memories can be shared at www.rosefh.com