Gayle B. Moniz

She was the eldest of five daughters by Norma (Ohsberg) and Joseph Storm, born on February 27th, 1948, in Providence, RI. She grew up in Rumford, attended East Providence High School and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Rhode Island College. Her career centered on the advancement and wellbeing of others, through multiple teaching positions, her role at Elder Services and finally at the Council of Aging in her hometown of Sandwich.

Gayle was relentlessly dedicated to her family as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt and Mimi. Her compassion and generosity reached beyond her immediate family, and she took great pride in the opportunity to help others – especially by feeding them. Whether hungry or not, she insisted that all who visited her house leave with a stomach full of Portuguese soup, chowdah, peanut butter balls, fried bologna sandwiches, chourico sandwiches, spaghetti with homemade sauce, apple pie, world-famous cheesecakes, baklava and coffee, Christmas cookies, or many other dishes or treat that she had perfected over the years and made without a single written recipe. When not cooking, she was a voracious reader. She loved animals – particularly Boxers (Tanya, Gretel, Aggie, Sugarrae, Casey, Kallie) – and is likely responsible for the diversity of wildlife in Lakefield Farms today. Gayle was an active member of her community, through official endeavors that built new schools, serving as a founding member of the LF Cribbage Club, and as a second mother to her children’s friends for whom she harbored as much love as her own.

The children and grandchildren of Gayle were “her life.” With her husband, Raymond, she built their household’s foundation over 53 years of lessons, love, and memories that have indescribably enriched their children’s, grandchildren’s, immediate and extended family’s lives. Gayle’s love and caring for all that she met was easily felt and will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond; daughter, Rachelle; son, Raymond; grandchildren, Halle and JJ (Joseph); sisters JoBeth (Stephen) Afflerbach, Wendy (Stephen) Rocha, Sheree (Michael) Rapoza, and Sharon (Kevin) Meehan; many (grand/great) nieces and nephews; and countless friends, who became part of her family as a result of her generous heart.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Gayle’s name to Tommy’s Place (www.tommysplace.org).

Viewing hours will be held July 24th, 8-11AM at Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, Rte. 6A Sandwich. Funeral service will be held at 11am in the funeral home. Burial at Massachusetts National Cemetery will be private.