Folsom Funeral Service

DeAvila, Gayle L.

Gayle Lorraine (Harling) DeAvila, a longtime resident of Dedham, died Saturday, December 28, 2019 at her home in Dedham.  She was 74.  Gayle was born in Norwood, Massachusetts on January 19, 1945, the only daughter of Albert and Lorraine (Klaes) Harling.  She graduated from Dedham High School and pursued a career as a seamstress where she indulged in her love of creating all manner of crafts from fabric.  She enjoyed quilting and recently ran a class in it for the “Kids in the Kitchen” program at the First Baptist Church in Westwood where she was an active parishioner.  Gayle was also a former member of the Friends of the Endicott Estate in Dedham.  Gayle was the wife of the late Kenneth Thomas DeAvila who predeceased her in 2018.  She is survived by her son, Erik Thomas DeAvila, and his wife Stephanie, of Dedham; her three grandchildren, Brittany, Paige, and Thomas; her two great grandchildren, Adrianna and Liam; and her brother, John Harling of Pennsylvania.  She was the sister of the late Ronald and Kenneth Harling.  Relatives and friends are invite to attend her Memorial Service Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church of Westwood, 808 High Street, Westwood, MA 02090 followed by interment in the Gardens at Gethsemane Cemetery, Baker Street, West Roxbury.  In lieu of flowers donations to the First Baptist Church (address above) would be appreciated.

Guestbook Entries

  1. Erik
    December 31st, 2019 | 2:23 pm

    I love you mom

  2. December 31st, 2019 | 4:35 pm

    My heart is broken for the most wonderful woman I knew. She babysat my kid and then we became best friends. To say we had fun was an understatement. She made the best food and her baking was supreme. She taught me to sew, was always funny, and loved my kids. We went on her boat and went tenting in upstate Ny. So much fun. I will forever miss u my BFF and always remember the fun we had. RIP in
    Paradise my friend

  3. Carol Dietzel Jensen
    December 31st, 2019 | 5:35 pm

    My sincere sympathy & thinking of you all during this difficult time.

  4. Karol
    January 1st, 2020 | 12:09 am

    I am so so sorry for your loss! Your Mom was a wonderful person. She was a wonderful Mother and friend to many people. She is now going to be reunited in heaven with her husband and many other people who she was close to! She will be missed by many people! We love you very very much! ❤️

  5. Eric D
    January 1st, 2020 | 8:31 am

    Gayle you were always good Nicole and I. Thank you for driving me to emergency rooms when my mother didn’t have a license yet. You are a very caring loving neighbor. We are Blessed to be able to live next door to you. You will be very missed.

  6. Dennis Clough
    January 1st, 2020 | 7:47 pm

    Gayle made both of my daughter’s wedding dresses some time ago. We all remember her as a wonderful seamstress but really far more. A quick-witted lady always ready to see the humor in life and lend a helping hand to anyone.

    We know she had placed her faith in Christ and so are sure she is enjoying her Savior!

    We sorrow as those who have hop as we shall
    Meet again. God bless all who are experiencing her loss.

    Sincerely, Dennis Clough

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Folsom Funeral Service

Folsom Funeral Service