Gayle had an infectious laugh, a beautiful smile, and an impeccable style. Born in Rockford Illinois, she was a tomboy who played with the neighborhood boys. Her parents were Marion and Harry Johnson, and she was the granddaughter of Aaron Bliss, the late governor of Michigan, and Charles Bresler, late consul for Venezuela.
She graduated from high school in Rockford a year early as she skipped a grade during her childhood. She studied Spanish all four years in high school and lived in Mexico upon graduation for a short period of time. On the swim team she regularly placed 1st and 2nd place in competitions. Gayle traveled extensively as a child spending many Christmas holidays in Miami Beach, and touring Canada, Europe, and Cuba.
Gayle attended Albion College as a freshman and then transferred to Northwestern University the following year. It was there that she roomed with Marlene, who became a lifelong friend, and met her husband, the late Langdon “Bucky” Longstreth. Gayle moved to Los Angeles with Bucky when he took a position at the University of Southern California. She continued her travels during sabbaticals living in Tennessee, Hawaii, and Europe. After Bucky’s passing, she married Bruce Broadbooks, an accomplished birder, and traveled the world searching for a glimpse of the rarest of birds.
Gayle had a zest for life and laughter and was widely loved and admired. She was a great cook and hostess. Gayle seemed to effortlessly host many large gatherings on just about every holiday one can think of. Her children often talk about and share Gayle’s recipes, invariably with discussion about variations on her lasagna recipe.
Gayle raised a wonderful family and is survived by her daughter Janet Longstreth and husband David Lyles, son David Longstreth and wife Patricia Longstreth, daughter Susan Nygaard, grandchildren Amy and Aaron Longstreth, and step grandchildren Taylor Gervais and Ryan Lyles.
Private services will be held at a later date.
