Gayle Elizabeth Bruce died peacefully on the morning of December 18, 2021, surrounded by her family, with her loving and devoted husband at her side. She was 84 years old.
Gayle was born on a small farm in Rochester, Massachusetts. It was there that Gayle developed her strong and unwavering work ethic, her modest disposition, and her genuine and deep appreciation for life’s most simple treasures, most notably, her family.
When her parents relocated to California, Gayle stayed behind as she had met the man who would become her husband, Edward Bruce, to whom she was married for 62 years.
Gayle attended Kinyon-Campbell Secretarial School where the skills that she developed served her well throughout her career, which began as a secretary at a local insurance agency and culminated with her twenty-four year position as The Administrative Specialist for The American Cancer Society (ACS).
Throughout her 84 years, Gayle became a great many things to a great many people. She was a devoted wife, an attentive mother, a beloved grandmother, a caring sister, a sweet and loving aunt, a trusted friend, a dependable co-worker, a conscientious caretaker, an insightful mentor, and a true confidant. Many remember Gayle for her bright and cheery demeanor, her positive outlook, her dependability, her love and affection, and her generous nature. For her family, she was always ready to lend an ear, offer words of wisdom, give a quiet back scratch, or break out in song when the moment was right. Her co-workers at The ACS remember Gayle as being ‘the go-to person for everything from where to find something to needing a hug.’ Regardless of where she was or who she was with, Gayle went above and beyond. She always strove to provide a warm and loving home for her family.
Some of Gayle’s hobbies and favorite pastimes included playing tennis, going for walks, needlepoint, gardening, volunteering at The Schwartz Center, going out to eat with Ed, attending and hosting family gatherings, spending time with her grandchildren and listening to music. Tragically, many of these pastimes faded from her life after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in her mid-seventies. Fortunately, Gayle continued to enjoy spending time with her husband and her family and listening to and singing music. Although in time, her memory became dim, Gayle’s light continued to shine bright and her love could always be felt by all who knew her.
Gayle is survived by her husband and best friend Edward F. Bruce of Dartmouth, by her loving daughters: Suzanne Carr and her husband Patrick of Fairhaven, Colleen Thomas and her husband Isaac of Dartmouth, Noreen Duarte of New Bedford, and Gayle Antoniou and her husband Tony of Stoneham, as well as her adoring grandchildren: Patrick Carr and his wife Kristen, Seamus Carr and his wife Creign, Erin Carr and her partner David Gerber, Caleb Duarte, Eliza Antoniou, Abigail Duarte, Mara Antoniou, Sophie Antoniou and Scarlett Thomas; her four great-grandchildren: Grayson, Collins, Campbell, and Bowie; many loving nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as her faithful and beloved dog Tilly.
Gayle also leaves behind her loving sister Janet Byerley of Pacifica, CA. Gayle was predeceased by her parents, Alexander U. and Albertine C. Paradis, as well as her sister Grace Ashley, her husband Karl, and their two sons, Edward P. and Karl J. "KJ" Ashley III, as well as her brother Paul Paradis, his wife Marion and their daughter Cherie.
We would also like to thank her caregivers who lovingly took care of our mother: Tara Antonio, Stacie Rodriguez, Chantell Ferreira, and Goretti Amaral.
Gayle’s Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday December 29, 2021 at 11 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 795 Dartmouth Street, Dartmouth. A private burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to South Coast Health Visiting Nurse Association/Hospice at 200 Mill Road, Fairhaven, MA 02719. Arrangements are by the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford. For an online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.