John Bligh
- Teacher
- Merrick Academy – Queens Public Charter School
Gabrielle Gayle, a 4th-grade special education teacher at Merrick Academy – Queens Public Charter School in Laurelton, was known for saying, “If you need help, my door is always open,’’ Chapter Leader Christine Hernandez remembered. “That’s why she routinely stayed in the building until 6 p.m,” once getting locked in.
Gabby, as colleagues called her, “had a huge heart, amazing energy and a passion for education,” said Charles Watterson, her former co-teacher.
She was only 34, and pregnant with her second child, when she died of coronavirus on April 25.
Gabrielle had been a teacher for 12 years, four of them at Merrick Academy. “Gabby was the kind of teacher who routinely shared her prep periods and lunch breaks with students who wanted extra assistance,” said Hernandez.
She was also a union delegate, and she had a “Norma Rae” moment when the last contract came up for negotiation. “Our board of trustees was not giving us a date to negotiate and Gabby and I organized staff to come to the board meeting,” Hernandez said. “We all wore black and agreed we would determine the right time to stand up and be recognized. Gabby texted me, ‘I can’t take it anymore! I’m going to stand up.’
“She stood up and she said, ‘We, the Merrick Academy teaching staff, demand that you recognize us. We’ve been waiting for a date for negotiations and we’re not going to wait any longer,’” Hernandez recalled. Everyone stood up with Gabby, and educators soon got their negotiation date. “She really lived her principles and would not back down,” Hernandez said. “She was not afraid to be vocal and stand up for what she knew was right.”
Her mother said Bre, as she called her, “crammed life and living into every moment of every day.” While educating New York City schoolchildren, she was a softball coach for Roosevelt middle and high schools and was pursuing an advanced degree. At Utica College, where she double majored in special education and general education, Gabby mentored other students and fought for equity for women and students of color, Watterson said. She was one semester shy of her doctorate in educational leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Gabby balanced her deep belief in the rights of all with a wonderful sense of humor. “She was full of life, love and laughter,” Watterson said. “The outpouring of love and support during her loss and the loss of her unborn son is a testament to the beautiful person she really was.” Gabby was expecting her son, Gabriel, this summer.
Educators have been reaching out to students and parents who are grappling with the tragedy as the school community works together to heal.
Gabby is survived by her husband, Leon; her 4-year-old daughter, Leona; her mother, Beverly Woods; and her siblings, Angelique, Annie Nicole, John and Alexander.
Condolences may be sent in care of ggayle@merrickacademy.org.
Colleagues have started a college fund for Gabby’s daughter. To contribute, please contact Hernandez at celli0919@yahoo.com.
My family prays for your family Gabby, what a terribly heartbreaking story to read to such a wonderful woman that meant so much to so many! I will always pray for your daughters strength to move forward with the loss of her mama and her soon to be baby brother, it is a small comfort af leaf to know that they are together in heaven watching over you little sweetheart, Leona. To Leon , her loving husband, I pray that God gives you the strength of an army and more to keep moving forward while raising your baby girl Leona. I pray that you find the courage each and every day to keep getting out of bed and put your feet on the floor. One step at a time. I didnt know this lovely woman but as a mama myself I cannot think of her or her daughter or her son she and her family so tragically lost without a whole bunch of tears. Deep pain will reside on my heart for this family’s tragic loss and also a ray of hope for all the many loves she touched , loved and made a difference in. Rest in Peace Gabrielle, and baby Gabriel, you will be sorely missed my many and those who did not even know you. ❤
This is Anthony nelson from Merrick academy Ms Gayle you are the best teacher I would never forget you bye
My deepest condolences. Gabby was an amazing teacher and colleague. She will truly be missed by many.
This is heartbreaking news to see. I met Gabby in March at a PD in Chicago. She was so kind and welcoming. RIP ❤️
My deepest condolences goes out to her family and friends.
I didn’t know this young woman. But she seemed amazing. Thoughts and prayers to her family. Rest in Peace
Gabby – I had the blessing of meeting you last summer residency. We stood so proud, bold, and beautiful as we took our picture together as a united group of supportive women. You were the first to set up our group and send out helpful guides. You have received your wings and know we are praying for your family and sending love their way.
Gabby you were always on the quest to advocate for students and to get things done right on their behalf. There is no easy way to come to terms that you are no longer her in the physical world. You will be greatly missed.
Gabriel was a ray of hope for everyone who knew her. She is sorely missed !
Gabby was a fantastic person. “How do I make this better for…”, was the mantra she lived by. She was always straight forward, as her intentions were pure. She was kind and caring. I got to know her while we negotiated our last contract at the school. If we called a meeting, she was there. She urged others to participate explaining how much their voice mattered. Anything that she committed to, she put in 110%. That is no exaggeration. She inspired you to be better, and we were, with her around.
She will be missed, but those who knew her, she will always be with us.
Gabby I will never forget our time in Chicago. I truly believe we were placed their together for a purpose. Thank you for letting your guard down and trusting me and allowing me to do the same. Love you and miss you dearly.