Gayle "GG" Fisher

On a beautiful morning, March 13, 2024, Gayle “GG” Fisher passed from the arms of her son David and daughter Katy, into heaven, where she was sure to be met by her husband Orin and son Michael, who predeceased her. After a courageous three year battle with dementia, where she lost many great memories but retained a strong fight and wit to the end, she is now at peace.

GG, as she was known by all who loved her, lived her entire life in East Hartford. After her husband passed away suddenly, she cared for her family while balancing a career and a part-time job. Her mom Virginia was a tremendous help to her during this time. When her children were young she volunteered at the concession stand at the Little League field in McAuliffe Park and traveled to hockey, baseball, soccer and softball games in support of her children’s teams. In the midst of it all she battled non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma twice, and still carried on raising three kids on her own. Her children learned from her example and enjoyed every moment they had with her. David lives in East Hartford and brought her the best dog in the world, Buddy, to comfort her during the journey of dementia. Michael, married to Lisa, carried GG’s tradition of public service and spirit of determination. He passed away from pancreatic cancer but his memory burned bright despite the loss of so many others. Katy, married to Nicole, lives in Niantic with their children Maya and Jameson and shares GG’s great love of the beach, golf, gardening, kayaking and spending time outdoors.

GG worked for over twenty years in Hartford, serving as an administrative assistant in the Connecticut Sheriff's Office and then in the Marshals Office, a job she proudly took over after her own mother retired. She was a member of the St. Isaac Jogues Women’s Club, the Democratic Women’s Club, and the Democratic Town 2nd District Committee, and served as a poll volunteer for every election up until her illness set in. She believed that well-behaved women rarely made history and worked to support candidates who demonstrated the ideals she believed would make society better for all.

GG loved road trips with “GB,” William “Bill” Gaffey, her longtime partner and fellow travel enthusiast. Together they drove through New England, finding the best places to eat and wander. She enjoyed playing golf and watching her favorite teams, UCONN Women's Basketball and the Red Sox. Her cottage at Oak Grove beach in Niantic was her favorite place to be. Putting her feet in the water was a pastime she enjoyed like no other and she passed her love of the water to her entire family, who cannot even think about the beach without picturing her rolling up her pants and walking in the waves.

Her greatest love of all, with no exception, was her love for her four grandchildren: Morgan, Kelsey, Maya, and Jameson. She traveled to every game, school event, and celebration, cheering them on in every activity and proudly sharing great stories of their achievements to her friends and anyone else who would listen! She taught them to use their manners, appreciate nature, and to believe in themselves. Each time she saw them, she would whisper into their ear, “Who’s the best?” This was not just a compliment that she gave them, but rather a commitment she reminded them of each time she saw them. Be the best you can be. Make your best effort in all that you do, and make sure you do your best by others.

In addition to the family mentioned above, GG is survived by her sister Sylvia, an extensive group of cousins, and many, many dear friends. She was lucky to have the kindness and support of Pansy Homecare Services as the days became difficult to navigate on her own and her family is especially grateful for the loving care of Kelly, Glenda, Tameka, and Pansy.

We will celebrate her life and share great memories on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 10:30 am with calling hours starting at 9:30 am at the D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, (Section R-2), Burnside Avenue, East Hartford.

In lieu of flowers, please make and share great memories with others. This journey has made us all realize precious memories are never lost. They may fade in the minds of some but will be carried on forever in the hearts of the people we love. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.