Obituary of Gayle Patricia McCoy (nee Hamilton)

September 22, 1948 - Lloydminster, Alberta

September 30, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Gayle Patricia McCoy passed away peacefully on Friday, September 30, 2022, with her family at her side.

Gayle was born in Lloydminster on September 22, 1948, to Margaret and Gordon Hamilton. Gordon was a geologist working in various field locations and the family lived in several towns in Saskatchewan before settling in Regina in 1954. In 1957, Gayle's family moved to Calgary where they settled in the Haysboro area in the southwest.

Gayle attended Haysboro Elementary, Woodman Junior High, and Henry Wise Wood High School, and graduated in 1966. Gayle was a brilliant student and continued her studies at the University of Calgary where she graduated with a degree in modern languages. She then completed a diploma in elementary education in 1970.

While attending university, she met her future husband Terry McCoy, a geology student. Gayle and Terry were married in 1970 in Calgary and began their life together. Gayle taught grade 2 in the Calgary Public School System from 1970 until 1973 at which time Terry was transferred to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Their first daughter Erin was born in 1974, followed by Jennifer in 1976, Ted in 1978, and Matthew in 1980. Gayle continued to be involved with elementary education throughout the next several years as a classroom aid, special education aid, and substitute teacher.

Gayle was an enthusiastic community volunteer, working with Erin and Jennifer in Brownies and Girl Guides and community soccer. Gayle also volunteered in the children’s schools throughout their education in their elementary, junior high, and high school years. Sports days, bake sales, and choir trips are just some of the activities that she helped with. Gayle's volunteer activities also included numerous hours over several years supporting Terry in various activities that he was involved with including the Canadian Oilmens' Executive Association. Gayle was the hostess for the 53rd Oilmens' held in Banff in 2003.

Above all, Gayle was a dedicated spouse, mother, grandmother, and friend. She loved being with the people that she loved which was her family. Gayle was a wonderful homemaker, cook, travel companion, and friend. She will be missed always by her loving family and all that knew her.

She is survived by her spouse Terry, her children, Erin Lunn (Stu), Jennifer McCoy, Ted McCoy (Marika), and Matthew McCoy (Lena); and her grandchildren, Sarina, Hazel, and Willa Mccarney, Duncan, and Harrison Lunn, Hugo McCoy, Sarah, and David McCoy.

Funeral Service will take place at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church (1600 Acadia Drive S.E., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Provincial Office, Sun Life Place, 710, 10123 – 99^th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1(866) 412-4222.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Webster and Dr. Jyl Radwell for their kindness, professionalism, and excellence in their care of Gayle. We would also like to thank the nurses in the Chemotherapy Outpatient Clinic at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre.

In living memory of Gayle McCoy, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to View Gayle McCoy's Memorial Card