Gayle we will miss you, but so glad that during our year in NZ we were able to regularly spend quality time together as we lived close by. I also remember so well the time you spent with us in Holland & Australia, we had such a good time. We know the last years were not easy for you, but most importantly you are now in a better place. We will miss you & you remain in our hearts.

Aunty Gayle, I am in disbelief that you have passed on and it doesn't feel real to think that you won't be there in Waihi next time we pop by. It had been too long since a proper catch up in person but I will remember fondly last time we were down there and you had a swing on the swing with Joshua and watched the boys tear around the playground prior to our dog rescue to save the little escaped dog. Ray still has the scars from the Waihi visit where he broke his toe outside your house - and we were talking about that switch into full nurse mode that happened then (he was never brave enough to come back after that though !). I have been enjoying seeing you on facebook and all the old memories and photos that you have been commenting on. I will miss your cheeky grin and wicked sense of humour as well as that perceptive look that you could give across the room. I love how interested that you have been with the boys and they still love the book that you gave them which makes them look like a caterpillar face. I will think of you whenever I look at a Marian Keyes book - thinking back to the conversations around where they fitted in the family. I have loved looking through all the photos and remember telling you off for pulling silly faces many a time. I am grateful to have some beautiful shots to remember - sitting in the garden at Mum and Dads and also the one of you holding out your hand to me as I walked down the aisle at my wedding. I hope you would have had a chuckle at Joshua on his Banana phone at the funeral and you would have been very proud of Lucas wanting to wear a 'ribbon' (tie) for you (although it didn't stay on long). I am glad that you are no longer in pain and are reunited with family in heaven, All our Love, Kirstin, Ray, Lucas and Joshua

I am shocked and saddened to hear of Gayle's sudden passing ......she will always be remembered with love and wonderful memories of our family sharing great times in Auckland , N.Z . Gayle and I recently reconnected through email and Face Book and this was only days before she passed . I send love and prayers to all of her family and friends during this sad time . Dear Gayle , may you rest in eternal peace .

Gayle, it was an honour and a pleasure sweetheart. Please say hello to Michel, Sheila. My darling wife Lesley your sister, for me, love and tears for you all. All my love to you all xxxxx Kevin

Love you aunty Gayle and miss you! Have thought of you often and even more still and love your spontaneous messages.

Nugs, you were a wonderful caring loving big sister to me. & a wonderful aunty to our children whom you loved to spoil! Will miss you and our chat times, your listening ear and wise wisdom, not to mention the funny things we joked about. We often talked about faith in the Lord & how wonderful Heaven will be. Love you eternally Nugs. Karen sister.

I was very sad to hear about the passing of my cousin Gayle. We were born within a few months of each other in Trinidad and grew up together in the Eckel family. She was my favourite cousin, and her mother Aunty Sheila was my favourite aunt. We were like two peas in a pod as children, until she left in her teens to go to New Zealand. I remember days at the beach, the family home, local foods, lots of wonderful memories. Gayle then moved to New Zealand and our paths went in different directions, but I shall always have fond memories of my dear cousin. It was on my wish list for many years to visit NZ to see Aunty Sheila and Gayle once again, but unfortunately that never happened. RIP Gayle, until we meet again. Fondest Love Howard Eckel. P.S. I do have a lot of my mother and father’s photos going back to before the war of the Eckel family (including a couple of Gayle). If anyone is interested let me know and I can forward them.

I was very saddened and shocked to hear about the sudden passing away of Aunty Gayle. At least I know you are in a better happier place, (Paradise) and I will get to see you again one day, until death does us apart. Thank you for being a good aunty, for spoiling me growing up, all the love and gifts you gave me and outings you took me out on. I will cherish all these memories. All my love xxx

Dearest Aunty Gayle, I was so saddened and sorry to hear of your passing. There is peace in knowing you are alive & well in Paradise with other loved family & friends who have gone before us. Thank you for being such a kind, generous, compassionate & humble role model to my family & I. Growing up, I have so many fond memories of you taking us children out fishing, shopping and other outings, spoiling us thoroughly! It was always exciting going to stay with you at your place. You are loved much and will be greatly missed. Arrivederci

My beautiful Aunty Gayle. Oh how I am so thankful for all the times you would baby sit me, take me opshopping, spoil me with endless snacks and gifts. You had a heart of gold. So pure and so kind. You truly were somebody so special and an angel in this world. You always knew the right things to say and I could always rely on you with anything. I could confide in you when times were tough, I knew you would always be there for me through rain, Gail or sunshine. You were one of the strongest people I have ever met. You always had a smile on your face and soldiered on through life, through all of its trials and tribulations and never once felt sorry for yourself. You were an inspiration to me. You taught me to be kind to myself and others, to always give and never expect to receive, and to have faith. When I saw you before I left for my trip overseas, you were very emotional and I promised you I would see you again when I’m back. I’m so heartbroken that it won’t happen, but I know you will be around me, watching me and everyone in their lives from above, protecting them and that gives me some form of closure. I’m happy you’re at peace now, but man, do I miss you. I love you, to infinity and back. You will always be my beautiful Aunty, and I will always be your ruggy. I love you. Forever.

Aunty Gayle. I will miss you always. Thank you for all the wonderful memories you created for us. We were so blessed to have you in our lives. I love you.

To our beloved sister, sister-in-law and Aunty, We shall treasure all the wonderful memories of you and Mum and your visits to the States to be with us. We will smile everytime we think of you. You watched the boys grow, catch frogs, cattepillars and fish at the beach. Drinking wine, shopping and chatting were also a favorite. Who can forget when Aunty Gayle made homemade bread. The boys loved it! You will always be in our hearts.Thank you for sending the yellow butterfly. Love you.

Sister-in-law by acquistion through marriage = treasured and loved friend/sister forever.