Gayle Richardson Brebner

On the evening of Tuesday, March 21, Gayle Richardson Brebner passed away in Glastonbury, CT. Gayle was born on May 28, 1946 in Cincinnati, Ohio and lived in several cities with her parents, Edith and Oliver “Jack” Richardson and her beloved sister, Sallyann Johansen, while growing up, before attending The Ohio State University and graduating with a teaching degree. In 1972 she married James Brebner, she taught underprivileged kids while they lived in Chicago, IL, and had their first child Jason Brebner, before moving to Phoenix, MD where they expanded their family to include daughters Tracey and Sarah.

Gayle was very involved with her church, Chestnut Grove Presbyterian Church, where she formed strong friendships and participated in bible studies, prayer circles and youth programs. Nothing brought her more joy than spending time with children, and she taught Sunday School for many years.

More than anything else, Gayle was devoted to her family and her children. She homeschooled all three kids until they reached nine years old. She filled their lesson work with fun activities, and took special care to work closely with Jason, who was diagnosed with autism at two years of age. Gayle made learning lots of fun and her kids remember special days filled with silly activities like using the window as a door, and eating under the table instead of on the table. She loved animals, especially dogs, and had a special fondness for poodles.

Gayle followed her family’s tradition of bringing her family to the Eastern shore every summer, where they spent weeks with her sister, Sallyann, and nephew, Eric. They spent countless summers at Rehoboth Beach together, continuing their strong friendship and bond all throughout their adulthood. Gayle and Jim eventually moved to Rehoboth full time, before she moved to Connecticut to live in a memory care facility near her youngest daughter, Sarah.

She will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and enthusiastic laugh. She was kind and generous with her time and her resources and wanted to improve the lives of those around her. Everyone who knew her, loved her.

Gayle is preceded in death by her parents, Edith and Jack Richardson, and her sister Sallyann Johansen. She is survived by her husband Jim; her son Jason Brebner; her daughter Tracey (Joel) Brebner; her daughter Sarah (Adam) Diener; her grandchildren Henry and Jack Diener; her nephew Eric (Nena) Johansen, her great-nieces Haley and Ahnna Johansen; her sister-in-law Susan (Dean) Barnett and her niece Michelle (Bryan) Pinan. She is preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Gail (Jim) Pendleton.

A small memorial service for immediate family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Alzheimer’s Association, or any charity that advances the research for a cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GlastonburyFuneral.com for the Brebner family.