Obituary of Gayle Brown

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gayle Lynne Brown (née Cook) on May 6, 2020 at the age of 73.Gayle grew up in Newmarket, Ontario. She was one of four sisters, the daughters of Gordon and Vera Cook. At the age of 15 Gayle began dating the love of her life Jerry. The teenage sweethearts later married, had two children, James and Jessica, and spent over 45 great years together until Jerry passed away suddenly in 2010. Gayle and Jerry were soulmates. It is comforting to know that they are together again.Anyone who met Gayle would have noticed one thing about her right away – she loved to laugh. Gayle’s laugh was loud and joyful. Although Gayle’s laugh could at times be embarrassing to her children – as it echoed through the stands of a hockey arena or gymnasium – it reflected her love of life. It could not be contained.Gayle was a teacher and then a principal with the York Region District School Board. In these roles she touched the lives of thousands of young people. Gayle loved her chosen profession and made many lifelong friends along the way.In retirement Gayle and Jerry moved to Horseshoe Valley, just north of Barrie. This move seemed strange to some given that neither of them skied or golfed. However, they enjoyed the peace and quiet of the smaller community. In this community, Gayle made more lifelong friends.Family was everything to Gayle. Gayle was an amazing mother to James and Jessica. She was a protector and confidant. Seldom did Gayle ever tell her children what they should do. Her gift was to subtly guide them to make better choices (most of the time) and to become better people. Gayle loved her children, her daughter-in-law Samantha and her grandchildren, above all else. (She had a soft spot for her granddogs also.)Gayle will be missed by James, Samantha and Jessica, her grandchildren Hayden, Andrew and Alexa and her sisters Diane and Arlene. Gayle was predeceased by her sister Beverley. Gayle will also be missed by her extended family and many friends.The family would like to thank the many doctors, nurses and PSWs who cared for Gayle while in Barrie and then in Oakville, and also the compassionate staff at Ian Anderson House in Oakville who cared for her in her final days.A private ceremony will be held when family and friends can be together.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ian Anderson House at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/8416.