Gayle W. Halladay

Bristol – Gayle W. Halladay, 59, of Bristol and formerly of Riverton, WY, passed away peacefully Friday, July 28, 2017 at Orchard View Manor, East Providence surrounded by her loving family.

   Born in Providence, a daughter of Kathleen W. (Hughes) Halladay of South Yarmouth, MA and the late Allan W. “Buzz” Halladay, and the stepdaughter of Roseann (Schiano) Halladay of Bristol, she had lived in Colorado, Idaho, Arizona and Wyoming before returning to Rhode Island.

Upon graduating with a BA in English from Denver University, Gayle married Theodore Nicholas and began teaching in Salmon, Idaho.  Later returning to Denver she and Ted began raising a family while Gayle pursued a lifelong teaching career. Gayle’s passion for the outdoors drew her to the mountains and vast open spaces of Wyoming where she continued teaching and working towards her Bachelor Degree in Education at Wyoming University. Which lead to her next position teaching Secondary English on the Navaho Reservation in Chinle, AZ.  Gayle was an amazing mentor both in and out of the classroom, instilling her own love of learning and encouraging her students to follow their passions especially in the arts, including writing and poetry, theater and music, as well as sports and any other interest that helped each student to develop their own sense of self.  She continued to lend an ear and share her wisdom, often attending graduations to rejoice in her students’ success. They shared their appreciation with yearbook dedications and countless letters of thanks for her inspiration and valued impact. Gayle later returned to Wyoming for a Master’s in Education, ultimately following her dream to teach special needs middle school students in Riverton, WY.  A lifelong educator, published poet, writer and a scholar of great literature she shared her love of books with all who knew her.  She possessed a highly developed sense of fair play and an unwavering fervor to stand up to intolerance. Gayle was a treasured sister, a beloved mother and, above all, a cherished teacher who touched many lives.  Our hearts will always hold a special place for Gayle.

   Besides her mother and stepmother, she is survived by her daughter, Kelly Anne Nicholas of Aurora, CO; her son; Theodore A. “Ted” Nicholas and his wife, Amanda of Littleton, CO; her sister, Julie W. Halladay of Atlanta, GA; her brothers, Richard W. Halladay and his wife, Elizabeth of Barrington and Jeffrey R. Halladay and his wife, Claire of East Providence; her four grandchildren, Desaray, Kaylee, Trinity and Kingsten; and several nieces and nephews.

   Her Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving will be held Friday, August 4 at 2 P.M. in Historic Swan Point Cemetery Chapel, 585 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence. Her burial will be private. Calling Hours are respectfully omitted. Please omit flowers. Contributions in Gayle’s memory to American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Boulevard, Denver, CO 80221 would be greatly appreciated. For Directions and Guest Book, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements entrusted with Bellows Funeral Chapel. 160 River Road, Lincoln.