Gayle F. Luchin

Friday, April 26, 2024.  In the early morning hours, as the dew glistened on the grass and the sun began to rise, our beloved friend, Gayle Frances Luchin left this world.  Surrounded by her family of friends who held her hand and kissed her cheek… she drifted away, leaving behind the pain of so many recent losses. She is finally at peace.

Born in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania on July 7, 1944, Gayle graduated from Slippery Rock University, earned a Master of Education degree at Pitt  and began her stellar teaching career at Mount Lebanon High School.  Respected by colleagues and admired by her students, she dedicated herself to teaching health and physical education, armed with a playful demeanor, a great sense of humor, and a loud whistle!

Gayle enjoyed delicious, sometimes exotic meals, and was an excellent cook; yet when asked, she still preferred a hot dog and a cookie!  As an avid reader and seasoned traveler, she enjoyed many adventures and some misadventures both here and abroad.  Who can forget Gayle climbing uphill in Santorini, Greece, carrying all the luggage, as Gloria rode up the hill in the donkey cart… or jumping the 3 feet of space between the dock and the ship as it was departing from port!

Gayle was a compassionate, caring, and devoted friend. For all things, she was grateful – from the most generous gift to the smallest kindness.   She loved Schnauzers, rejected cats, and cherished rabbits – whether real or stone.  A rare human, Gayle could be loving and mischievous at the same time.  She had the courage and determination to do her best, be her best, and give her best to everyone.

Gayle will remain alive as long as we are alive.  When we share a laugh, tell a story, or shed a tear, she’ll be there. When we remember her wit and her wisdom, she’ll be there.  When we drink a Coke, see a Coke, or even think about a Coke, she’ll be there.  Gayle has truly enriched our lives and we are forever grateful.

Despite life’s challenges, or perhaps because of them, Gayle strongly believed in the bold proclamation on her many, many, many t-shirts…