Gayle Gagnon Rosenblatt

Our beloved mother, sister and aunt passed away peacefully at home from a lengthy battle with cancer Saturday, January 11th. Gayle was predeceased by her husband, James (Jim) Ashley Rosenblatt, parents George and Wilma Watson Gagnon, sisters Diane G. Nelms and Vallirrie Barnett. She is survived by her daughter Kelly (Tanner) Shultz of Macon, Georgia, her sons, Greg (Maggie) Craddock of Jacksonville, Florida, Brad Rosenblatt of Tallahassee, Florida and grandchildren, Caroline Shultz, Wyatt Shultz, Sadie Craddock, Sam Craddock, Lauren Rosenblatt and Ryan Rosenblatt, sister Brenda Robinson and many nieces and nephews.

Gayle was born in Pensacola on April 21, 1943. She graduated from Escambia High School. In 1965 she married Navy Pilot, Tom Craddock and began her travel adventures. While living in Japan, she learned Judo and the art of flower arranging. Her daughter Kelly was born there. A few years later, with their son Greg in tow, the family moved to Naples, Italy. While in based Italy, Gayle explored the whole of Europe – sometimes driving a station wagon with her kids in the backseat! Her house is a treasure trove of things she collected while abroad. Gayle embraced different cultures and tried to learn something from the places that she lived and traveled to.

Once back in Pensacola, Gayle worked at Gulf Marine Supply and taught elementary school for a while. She was a very active member of Pensacola Yacht Club. She loved sailing and was on many a race committee for various regattas. It was through PYC and sailing that she met Jim Rosenblatt. They were married in 1989 in the gazebo at Seville Square. Gayle was so pleased when Jim became Commodore of Pensacola in 1995. You could often find them sailing on their sailboat “The Mission Blue” or with friends on powerboats. One of their favorite places to travel to was Isla Mujeres, Mexico. They often took all their children with them and great fun was had. Once the grandchildren began arriving, Jim and Gayle became devoted grandparents.

While devastated when Jim passed in 2005, Gayle managed to created a full and rich life for herself in the years following. She was a member of the 1st United Methodist church, a faithful volunteer at St. Vincent DePaul’s. She also took several trips abroad with the Pensacola Ski Club. Going on cruises with friends was also something she loved to do. Gayle leaves behind many devoted friends with whom she shared many Tuesday wine nights at PYC and Friday happy hour at the Azalea.

Gayle loved nothing more to have her extended family around her. Gayle was close to her sisters, Diane, Vallirrie, and Brenda and loved their children as her own. Holidays together were always a joyful albeit boisterous celebrations! It was not unusual to have 4 generations in attendance.

A memorial service will be Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 1:00pm at Bayview Fisher-Pou Chapel, 3351 Scenic Highway, Pensacola, Florida 32503. There will be a reception following.