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Gayle Simons Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Gayle Simons
Diana Willis Weilert
December 18, 2024
I came to Aragon High School in the middle of my sophomore year, the new kid. I met Gayle and we became great friends.
I think about her often and miss her. Miss you girl.
Kelli Suchy
March 31, 2021
I’m so very sorry I didn’t see this in 2012. Gayle and I shared an office at the Hospital Consortium and ate lunch together most days.
Much love to Jerry, Blythe and Jerrod. Gayle was one wonderful friend ❤
Rita (Boland) Nutile
December 28, 2019
I think of Gayle every day. She was my introductory and teacher for over 5 yrs. I have learned so much about my family history. I did go to SLC, but without Gayle there I was lost. Miss you. Rita Nutile
December 21, 2013
It's been almost a year since Gayle's passing, and I miss her every day. She was the best 'Best Friend' anyone could have. I hope she has found all the ancestors she had questions for and about.
Susan
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hiroki
May 8, 2013
you guys have always been good to me and super saddened by this news. They were one of the first people i met when i moved to Foster City in the late 80s. I just called Jerrod out of the blue the other day and he told me. my deepest condolences to the Simons family
Pamela Tate
January 10, 2013
Gayle, you were one of a kind, a passionate, inspirational teacher changing my life, my family's and my descendent's to come. Sometimes a brat, but always interesting with your wonderful wit near the surface. I miss you terribly.
Cathy Hazlewood
January 7, 2013
Gayle is very dear to my heart. We had so much fun doing classes at the Consortium. Her humor and boundless energy was always an inspiration.My condolences to her family.
Barbara Gay
January 3, 2013
Deepest sympathies to Gayle's family.
Gayle has been in my prayer's since she became ill.
I will miss her, and her sense of humor.
January 3, 2013
How sorry we were to hear of Gayle's passing. Our thoughts and prayers and much love to you all. Donna Swenson Schultz (cousin) and family
Bonnie Swenson Bohannon
January 2, 2013
Our prayers are with Natalie and Gayle's family. Haven't seen her in a long time and always loved Uncle Bud and Aunt Barbara, what a wonderful family. I'll miss my cousin Gayle!
December 31, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with Gayle's family as we close out this year without her to guide us through our search for ancestors. I was a beginner, knowing only the names of my immediate grandparents. Now my database contains over 600 people and I have met many 3rd cousins and we've focused much of our travel on tracing the family roots, both here and in Europe. Gayle infected us with her enthusiasm for genealogy.
Caye Johnson
Dan Wagner
December 29, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go to Gayle's dear family. She was a very special teacher with a heart of gold and the motivation to see her students achieve and enjoy it all. We owe Gayle so much for her contributions to us all.
December 29, 2012
The Simons family is in my prayers. May your many wonderful memories comfort you and give you peace.
I have attended Gayle's genealogy classes since 2007. I was a true beginner, armed with very few records and practically no family stories. Gayle's enthusiasm, knowledge and experience inspired me and gave me the hope / expectation that I could find information.
My grandparents were from France. Under Gayle's direction and through her lectures, I identified and obtained many records, including: grand parents' ship manifests, SF addresses and occupations; deed to SF house; grand father's birth record; father's SF school records; ancestor's civil war info, etc.
In 2011, my sister and I went to France. I took the steps Gayle outlined to prepare for the trip. However, there were no responses to the letters and e-mails I sent. So, our goal was to visit the two villages where our grandparents were born and see the countryside. Well, to our surprise, we were unbelievably blessed with several “genealogical miracles.”
We located and met a cousin (previously unknown to us) – his grandmother was sister to our grandmother.
Through him, we visited an elderly cousin we met in 1983 when she came to SF.
We located and met another cousin (previously unknown to us) - his grandfather was brother to our grandmother.
And after our return home, we were contacted by a “cousin” with whom we share 3 x great grandparents. He subsequently sent photos of the house where my grandmother was born.
Through field trips and potluck lunches, we learned that Gayle and my partner John shared a love of their Chrysler 300s. They exchanged stories and always complimented each other on their good taste.
Gayle will be in my thoughts often because I am now addicted to genealogy and have much research yet to do.
Thank you for supporting Gayle in her genealogy passion.
God bless you.
With sympathy,
Sue Mateo
Thursday San Mateo Class
Sherry Hall
December 29, 2012
RIP Gayle. Thank you for all your help.
You will never be forgotten.
Mary Andeen
December 29, 2012
Literally, Gayle changed my life. About 6 years ago I walked into her Menlo Park genealogy class as a rank beginner. Gradually she taught me how to do research, and I learned about my ancestors' lives, struggles, and faith. My life has been enriched. I will miss her and always be grateful to her.
Pat Pritchard
December 28, 2012
Our dear Gayle. No one has given us more knowledge, mentoring, and provided more inspiration. Your teaching goes beyond genealogy. While I'll miss your methods of honoring our ancestors, I'll really miss your humor.
Now you'll have the answers to the mysteries. But I'll miss you.
Peggie M. Trei
December 28, 2012
A most positive person; fellow RN; fun to be with. I so enjoyed those many conversations in Salt Lake City, during our yearly trip from the Bay Area. She is missed.
Ann Yingling
December 28, 2012
Gayle was an extraordinary woman - an excellent teacher,mentor and friend to all. She leaves a wonderfull legacy for those of us who were privileged to be her students. She will live on in our hearts and memories.
Christina Schuknecht
December 28, 2012
To Gayle's family, I'm so sorry for your loss. Words just aren't enough, only time. She had an impacto n so many. Thank you for sharing Gayle with us. Her wonderful humor, her passion for family living as well as researching those past and imparting how to go about it was a special gift. She was an amazing person and an amazing teacher. I'm honored to to have known her.
To Gayle, You inspire us all. You will be physically missed, but always in our hearts.
patti Chlubna (anfibolo)
December 27, 2012
gayle, was the most giving, kindest person i met in kindergarden - and then when we went to aragon, she was such a sweetheart and a very good friend. I love you and will miss you - God needed more angels in heaven, and he chose you - r.i.p. my dear friend
Charmaine Moyer
December 27, 2012
Gayle's passion for genealogy was equal to her passion for life; for getting out and doing. I'm thankful for having her as a teacher and helping guide my genealogy quests. Gayle will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
December 27, 2012
Thanks for the memories, Gayle. You now know all the inside scoop. To Family thanks for sharing Gayle with us.
Linda Cooney
December 27, 2012
Gayle inspired me and motivated me to keep searching. I will miss her humor and passion for genealogy but it will stay inside us. My prayers are with her family. She was an amazing teacher.
Megan Allen
December 27, 2012
Deepest sympathies to Gayle's family. I will miss her vivacious personality, which she brought to our class.
Hans Hansen
December 27, 2012
My memories of Gayle go back to pre-school. I always liked her sense of humor and the happiness which she radiated. My mother worked with her on genealogy research. A great personality that will be missed.
Lois Ames
December 27, 2012
As one of Gayle's genealogy students - I admired her knowledge; ability to creatively teach us about the "dead people" and wonderful sense of humor... among a few of her qualities! Thank you, Galye for all of the practical -bits of wisdom- that made research fun and rewarding. Thank you- her family- for sharing her with us- we loved her, too.
Marcia Hardy
December 27, 2012
Gayle was an inspiring teacher, without whom I would never have found many of those elusive ancestors. Her passing is a great loss to the community!
Maggie Anderson
December 27, 2012
Gayle was (and still is) an inspiration for my ancestor hunting. She will be missed.
Russ lake
December 27, 2012
From Sunnybrae through Borel Jr High, Gayle was always a bright light
Carol Dondick
December 27, 2012
Though I joined Gayle's genealogy class just a few years ago, I quickly developed a deep respect for her vast knowledge and teaching ability. I will remember her and miss her acerbic sense of humor.
Roberta Kerr
December 27, 2012
Gayle, wind to your wings and tell the devil to run.
Diana Willis Weilert
December 27, 2012
Gayle & I were great friends and when we got together it was like we were back in high school again. I will miss her laugh and possitive attitude. I'm praying for peace for her family. She will be missed. Love you girl.
Joanna (Maravelias) Dixon
December 27, 2012
I met Gayle as a student nurse @ C.S.M. She was funny, outspoken, and a great teacher. Later as a R.N., I took many classes from her @ the hospital consortium. Gayle was a great lady, teacher, and mentor. I was sorry to learn of her passing. I will truly miss her. My sincere condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. God bless you Gayle for all the knowledge you shared unselfishly with so many people.
anne flodihn shook
December 26, 2012
Dearest angel of joy. Happy trails to you. Blessings to you and your family. Your classmate and friend, Anne Flodihn Shook
Ed Caler
December 26, 2012
I went to school thru High School. She will be missed.
Cam Pope
December 26, 2012
I remeber Gayle at Aragon. Very nice and friendly person. My condolances.
Patti Howard
December 26, 2012
The Aragon Class of '67 will sorely miss our wonderful friend. Gayle was one of the funniest people we had the pleasure to have known. I called her the Erma Bombeck of our class, always keeping us in laughs with her witticisms and wisecracks. A great lady!
Patti Howard
December 26, 2012
I am so saddened to learn of Gayle's passing. She was the funniest person in our class and a delight to have known. I always referred to her as the Erma Bombeck of The Aragon Class of 67. We will miss her a great deal.
Catherine Popell
December 26, 2012
So glad to have seen Gail and hear her laughter this past summer in Salt Lake City. Now she doesn't have to travel so far to find those elusive ancestors. All the brickwalls are down.
Laura Stefanski
December 26, 2012
Gayle was a teacher I will not forget anytime soon. We became friendly early on and I am glad I had the opportunity to tell her I loved her when she called me last month. Brave and the real deal. I will miss her.
Barry Goyette
December 26, 2012
A friend and a great genealogist and a wonderful teacher.
How sad, she had so much more to give
Lucy Sweeney
December 26, 2012
I will miss Gayle and her laughter. Her knowledge and mentoring made it a joy to search for those elusive ancestors. Our thoughts are prayers are with her family.
Susan Plass
December 26, 2012
Gayle made me feel welcome in her class (after a tough quizzing!) and taught me so very much. I am grateful to have had her as a teacher.
Shirley Reseck
December 26, 2012
A rare person who enriched & brought joy to our lives. She will be greatly missed but always remembered.
Sandy Kelly
December 26, 2012
What a personality she had. I'm sorry she had to leave us so soon. But here's hoping she finds those elusive ancestors in her journey on.
Sheila Mahler
December 26, 2012
Gayle was a great inspiration to me. I will always remember her laughter and wonderful advice - "Be comforted to know that genealogists never die, they just continue their research with their ancestors."
Bill Worthington
December 25, 2012
Hard to believe Gayle is now an ancestor after teaching us so much about how to find our own ancestors.
Vickie Watson
December 25, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to Gayle's family. She was a great teacher and good friend.
Rita Nutile
December 25, 2012
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Inge Harding-Barlow
December 25, 2012
Too short a life, but a very full one. We will all miss you very much from a fellow genealogist and teacher
Mary Pack
December 25, 2012
My dear teacher, mentor and friend, may Peace be with you. You will be sorely missed.
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