Many of you knew Gayle Nybakken, who was a constant fixture here at The Naked Sheep Knit Shop for several years. Gayle came to us as a very new knitter, and her skills improved dramatically during her time spent here.We loved Gayle's quick wit, her interesting stories (what a life she led!) and her honesty. At times we had to remind her that not everyone felt exactly as she did on every subject, but she was one who could take it just as well as she could dish it out!
Earlier this year, Gayle was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma; which was attacking her bones. In her words, her bones were turning to sponges. It was a sad day when she could no longer knit. Gayle's daughter, Lisa, said that her mom "loved going to the knit shop - it was her favorite thing to do".
When we found out about Gayle's cancer, we decided to knit up 9 x 9 squares to assemble into a lap blanket for her. We chose a merino wool and cashmere blend, and the result is the beautiful shawl she is wearing in the photo. Thanks to everyone who contributed. Her daughter Lisa said that the shawl never left her mom's shoulders!
Gayle died peacefully on Tuesday, September 1 at 3am. There will be a memorial service on Wednesday, September 16 around 6pm. Exact details to follow; which Lisa has asked me to share with everyone at the knit shop. She also mentioned that the shawl we made with love for Gayle has been a great comfort to her since her mom's passing.
Please feel free to post your thoughts, a funny story or whatever you'd like under comments. Let's share our memories of Gayle...
7 comments:
Gayle was also an expert at finding typos in our eNews. She would catch every "Your" that should've been a "You're". I also remember her coming to the shop almost daily and parallel parking her silver van (with the Naked Sheep sticker on the back) in the tightest places; most of the time without bumping anyone else.
She'll be greatly missed.
-Brad
When Gayle starting taking water aerobics she lost weight, but said that was merely a "side effect". Picturing her explaining weight loss as a side effect of exercise still makes me giggle.
I only knew Gayle briefly, seeing her Tuesday mornings when I came to knit, she was funny and I missed her when she could no longer come. I'm sorry for her passing but glad she is at peace now, not suffering anymore.
Gayle was will be missed as the happy, smiling lady who spoke her mind and didn't give a hoot.
She was one of the first ladies that I met when I started coming to the Naked Sheep and she started up a conversation with me like she had known me forever.....i will miss her.
I also remember that Gayle treated me as a friend when we met for the first time. I enjoyed satirizing and lampooning with her! I also enjoyed her gentle side. I imagine her now, saying, "Yep, I knew it was gonna be like this..."
Gayle was my favorite friend during the 60s and 70s and beyond! - in California,New York, and back to California. somehow we lost touch...but now, as I search the internet to find friends so I can thank them for being a fabulous part of my life and a true influence - I learn that I just missed her ! Gayle will aways be in my heart. To Gayles family and friends...wasn't she AMAZING ?!!! FABULOUS SPIRIT ! My love to you all - I feel very fortunate to have had her in my life. Oh, one last thing...Gayle and I drove Los Angeles to San Francisco in her teeny tiny MG convertible. great memory ! -D.
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