Gayle Joy Hartin

Gayle  Joy  Hartin 

Age 59, of Salem Township passed away at her home with her sisters by her side on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Gayle is survived by her sisters, Beth Tyson of Salem with whom she resided and Amy (Kevin) Appleby-Harris of Hebron, MD; two nephews, Joshua and Adam; three nieces, Heather, Mallory, and Rachel; two uncles, Ray (Donna) Osborne and Harvey (Marilyn) Hartin; four aunts, Sylvia (Bob) Brown, Eleanor (Larry) Long, Peggy (the late Jim) Tillman, and Sharon (Bill) Jack; and long time boyfriend, Donald Kowalczuk. Gayle was preceded in death by parents, Archie and Liz Hartin and sister, Jill Paha. Gayle was born at a time when it was recommended that children with Down Syndrome be institutionalized.  Her parents were told she would never walk or talk and would only live to maybe 13 years old.  Gayle was having none of that.  Not only did she walk, she ran, winning medals for relay races in the Special Olympics for many years.  She talked in two languages, because being the grandchild of deaf grandparents, she also spoke sign language.  Gayle never let anything stop her.  She swam, vacationed and traveled all over, loved the beach, loved going shelling, rode horses, did all the traditional winter and summer sports all kids do.  She went to camp, at her favorite place in the world, Pine Springs Camp.  She was such a great spokesperson all over for her camp!  Gayle spread joy everywhere she went.  She would be the first one to tell you that was her middle name and jump with pride anytime she heard the word.  That caused a few embarrassing moments, for her sister in church!  She also confessed to being an Angel.  If you think about it, Down Syndrome kids are capable of unconditional love, something not seen in anyone else.  Most who knew Gayle, believed her.  We were blessed to have her in our lives and there are no words to describe the immense void that she has left.  We will focus on her laughs, all her antics and her precious smile.  In honor of Gayle and her obsession with the color pink and sparkles, we ask you to wear pink and/or sparkles to celebrate the life of this Joy of ours. Friends will be received Friday, September 22, 2023, 1-8 PM at Bash-Nied-Jobe Funeral Home, 152 Abbe Place, Delmont (724-468-8381). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2023, 10:30 am at Newlonsburg Presbyterian Church in Murrysville with Rev. Curtis Paul officiating. Everyone please meet at the church. Interment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family for the balance of funeral expenses. Online condolences can be given at www.BashNiedJobeFuneralHome.com.

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