Name: Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel
Address: Castle Rock, CO

Gaynel was my aunt.  With her living in Colorado and my family in Ohio, I didn't get to see her as often as I wanted.  As a result, when we did see each other it was a big event.  She always had a smile on her face and everyone in the house could hear her when she laughed.  

My heart goes out to Rosemary.  Ever since I can remember I never referred to them separately.  It was always "Gaynel and Rosemary" or "Rosemary and Gaynel".  

I'm happy and proud my wife and daughter(2 yr old) met her.  Knowing Gaynel's love of music, it shouldn't surprise anyone to know that one of the gifts Gaynel gave us for our daughter's birth was a music box that played Brahm's Lullaby.  We used that for months as it was the only thing that would get our little girl to go to sleep.  My wife and I are blessed that although neither of us have red hair, somehow our daughter's hair is red.  Just like Gaynel, she also loves music(just not the same kind yet).  Lately, my daughter's biggest request is her and I singing the Scooby-Doo theme.  My wife says she's a little Gaynel.   

Thank you to all who have signed this guest book as reading the entries has helped in dealing with the loss.  It's simply amazing to see how she touched so many lives.  

I was blessed to have her as my aunt.  I picture she is sitting with my grandparents holding a scotch and telling them all about her adventures.  I will miss her until the day I die.

Thought I saw you standing behind me in church on Sunday...  I think just for a moment I had forgotten... When I turned and looked...

Miss Lankenau was my music teacher at Larkspur Elementary School in the late 50's. I still remember many of the things she taught us and the introduction and exposure we had to many kinds of great music.  She was an excellent teacher, and I feel blessed to have been her student.  Donna Brown Skelly

I will never forget you Miss Lankenau.. I was lucky to have you as my music teacher at Wilcox .. Then in High School..
You really made music fun..

We were saddened today to read that Ms Lankenau had passed on. She was our choir teacher at DCHS 1986. We have some very fond memories of her. 
RIP Ms Lankenau...

Chuck Upegui & Becky (LeBlanc) Upegui

Gay was a maestro, a lady, positive, lighthearted, living life to the fullest.  We’ll remember her vibrant voice, her special gifts, youthful optimism and spirit of giving.  Gay is remembered for her generosity, and quiet wisdom.  Gay volunteered her time, allowing many AAUW members to share their interest and love of music joyfully participating in the Women’s Chorus.  Everyone who knew Gay is richer and her company will be missed.  The AAUW Chorus, the Swingin’ Singers dedicated a Christmas favorite, 'The Star Carol', at the Holiday Dinner performance in memory of Gay's involvement in the "Star Lighting Ceremony" in Castle Rock, CO every year.

Gaynel's brought joy to the lives of so many, and her enthusiasm and zest for life were contagious. We will miss her at Arapahoe Community College and feel honored that she chose to share her talents with us and our community. We will miss her vivaciousness so very much. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all her family and friends.

Ms. Lankenau was also my music teacher beginning in 1963/64, never forget her passion for teaching. So sorry for her family and best friend Ms. Metzler. May she now rest in Peace.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for having Aunt Gaynel in our lives. She was a great Aunt to our Alex (16), Max (almost 3) and Jack (1 year). The day we heard of her passing, I was stricken with grief and couldn't think what to say to the little ones to express the loss of Aunt Gay. In that moment I went only up to their room, and picked up the music boxes that were so beautiful that she had sent when the boys were born. Hidden on a top shelf to keep them safe from little fingers, I picked them both up and wound them. And there it was, the music that shared with others. I remember them coming in the mail with the card with her writing that said "to inspire a love of music,"  and the books from Rosemary that said "for a love of reading."  In those moments, as the music played, our two little boys were dancing and waving their hands and smilling. It made me think of her. What a wonderful person. We will miss her terribly.

I was to express my condolences to the Lankenau family.  She was a wonderful teacher who provided this young man with a something positive to focus upon during trying times.  Thank you Ms. Lankenau.

My deepest condolences go to the Lankenau family and to Ms.Metzler.  Ms. Lankenau touched my life and nurtured my lifelong love of music and singing.  I will never forget her.

I was blessed to have Ms. Lankenau as a teacher at DCHS (90-93). She taught more than music to her students. She will be missed.

I am deeply saddened by the passing of a truly great mentor and teacher and friend.  Ms. Lankenau taught me many things that helped me be the person I am today.  One of the most memorable statements that she ever made to me was to walk through your life with a purpose.  This was something that she did very well.  She touched the lives of so many and I will miss her greatly.  To Ms Metzler, I know that this is a time of great sorrow for you.  Please let me know if there is anything that you need.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gay,
Beloved teacher and dear friend. As my teacher you believed in me and inspired me to do more than I thought was possible. As my friend you always supported me through the years and made me smile. Your warm heart, spunky spirit, and infectious laugh will be greatly missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Rosemary and to Gay's family.

I will always remember Ms. Lankenau's bright smile and infectious laugh, and how she kept encouraging us D.C. Singers (1981-3) to do even better.  Her zest for life and love of music live on in so many of the lives she touched.

It saddens me to hear about the passing of Ms. Lankenau.  she was my music teacher at DCHS (1980-1982).  She was a fantastic music teacher, and will be missed by many.

I will remember Ms. Lankenau as one of the most motivating teachers I had in elementary school.  She encouraged me in music, and as a person, in ways that I can still feel.  My deepest sympathies to Ms. Metzler and Ms. Lankenau's family.

Dear Rosemary and family, I hope you will be comforted in this difficult time of loss.  I pray you know how many lives Gay touched and we will always remember her!!   Thousands of kids will remember singing, including 4 of the five kids in my own family,  "We're gonna have a celebration.  We're gonna sing with joy this night.  We're gonna have a jubilation.  We're gonna dance and move it right."  I always think of Ms Lankenau with fond memories when this song pops in my head.  I have always remembered her amazing shoe collection and wonder to this day (as I am a teacher now myself) how on earth she was able to stand all day long on those high heels of hers.  She gave us many great memories, helping build unity and friendships throughout her teaching career.   God bless,

My condolences to your family during these hard times. I learned alot about music and life from Ms. Lankenau. She will be truley missed.

Miss Lankenau was an inspiration to our family, as she taught most of us (10) in grade school in the 60's and 70's.  We participated in programs with music for all the children to sing.  I still remember a lot of the songs she taught.  She was one of the best teachers in music I ever had!  My prayers and thoughts go out to the family and Miss Metzler during this difficult time.  She is now singing with the best!
Mary Price Colley

                                          A TRIBUTE TO A GREAT LADY

     The professional life of Gaynel Lankenau is a legend to her many admirers, especially to her students and her colleagues, in the fields of music and education.  

     May her dear soul travel far as she mounts the pathways that lead into eternity!

                Don Nicodemus, fellow educator
                                       and music director

I'm so sorry to hear the news about Gaynel.  She was a good friend when we were growing up in Decatur, Indiana.  Our friendship began when we took ballet lessons together in sixth grade and continued on through high school.  Later, when I married, Gaynel was my bridesmaid.  We lost touch after we moved from Indiana, but I often thought of her and the good times we and our other friends had.  Gaynel always liked music; it's good to know that she had a successful career.  I send my condolences to her family and friends.

I only met Gaynel once, a couple of years ago, at my Mom's high school reunion. She caught my eye, first off, because of her beautiful outfit. She was dressed to the nines, with awesome shoes to match. But after meeting her, her bubbly personality grabbed your attention. I've heard my Mom (Carol Baumgartner Seitz) speak often of her, always emphasizing how sweet and friendly Gaynel was.
She will be missed. God speed.
Janice Seitz Adler

Ms. Lankenau was always one of my favorite teachers. Just the other day my school put on a 3rd grade program and I thought of Ms. L and her "Proud to be an American" programs. I have very vivid memories singing those patriotic songs with her leading us.  The world will miss her.  My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends and a heartfelt hug to Ms. Metzler.

I was saddened when my Mom called me to tell me the news of Gaynel's passing earlier this evening. That call also caused a flood of memories. She was a part of my life, and my 3 older siblings, at many stages.
My music teacher from 1st to 6th grade, not only at Cantril and Wilcox, but also as part of the first students to attend South Street. You not only taught me to sing, but to sing as well as I could. Skills I use to this day. 

When I was an adult, we worked together on a couple of musicals as I tried my hand at accompianing. Even then, you shared you knowledge and taught me something about music.

You and Rosemary touched my life in so many ways, I will never be able to forget you, and will always be glad for the gifts you shared.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Rosemary, and your family. I hope the next leg of your journey is as this one was.

I was one of the lucky ones. I had Mrs. Lankenau as a music teacher for 9 of my 12 years in K12.

From Cantrel Elementary (1-3) to Wilcox (4-6).  I remember the choir concerts and the plays (HMS Pinafore). Then again at DCHS (10-12). 

This women touched so many lives and mentored several dozen to go on and have careers in music and entertainment. She will be missed!

My thoughts and heart are with her family and friends. Special hug to Mrs. Metzler.

My dear spicey "Little Redhead", we are going to miss you especially Friday nights, Dukes won't be the same without you and Rosemary.  I know you will be there in spirit.  Saturday you lost Rosemary in Safeway and I couldn't find John, what a deal? -  Who's going to help me now?
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family and especially to Rosemary.  You guys were the best and I know how devoted you were and still are to one another.  It will be that way always.  
May God Bless and keep you in His loving arms.
Happy Trails!    John and Bev

Dear Miss Lankenau and Miss Meztler,
You both touched the lives of my children Daryl, Denise and Boomer in so many ways.  I shall be eternally grateful and always have a song in my heart for you.  God bless.
Christine Navarro

I was saddened to hear the news of Ms. Lankenau's passing. She was a special teacher who impacted so many lives in the little town of Castle Rock with her passion for music. I will always remember her trying to instill the importance of doing your best. I had her in 6th grade at Wilcox Elementary and again at DCHS. She was always my favorite teacher! My thoughts and prayers are with her family as well as Ms. Metzler.

Gay made all of us love music more than we knew we could.  The best of friends to the four of us at tea, lunch after hair do's on friday's, opera class and the opera sunday days with the three other women that will always love and keep her in our hearts forever. Gigles to you Gay.

What a gift she was to DCHS as well as Ms Metzler.  Prayers go out to their families. 
LaRonda Tinney Corrin

Thank you Miss L for all you were and did.  You were an inspirational role model and mentor for our daughter Vicki.

The heavenly hosts are getting a great lesson in jazz hands!  What a great woman, lovingly remembered her presence will be missed.

Having grown up in Castle Rock, I remember Ms. Lankenau all the way back to 1st & 2nd grade music at Cantril Elementary. Then again after making it to high school, I had the good fortune to get her again for 4 years at DCHS! 

She was tough when needed, and a taskmaster for all the right reasons. Her presence was strong enough that when she got "that look", everyone stopped goofing off, no matter the fact that many of her students dwarfed her in size.

Her passion for excellence, and strong work ethic (as well as Ms Metzler of course!) influenced far more folks than we will ever know.

On Saturday, I will have the song "Celebration" running in my head, along with "The Road Not Taken", and I can't think of a better recognition of her influence on us all than the fact that I still remember those songs to this day 27 years after leaving her classroom for the last time...

Music made my life tolerable, and she was a big part of that. My prayers go up for her, as well as everyone that she touched.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
et lux perpetua luceat eis.

A big hug from me...

Ms. Lankenau is truly one of the most wonderful people I have ever known.  Her passionate spirit is something that anyone would appreciate and admire.  Heaven's Choir just got one of our GREAT ONES!  I LOVE YOU and THANK YOU Ms. Lankenau and Ms. Metzler!  They broke the mold with you two! 
Boomer

Of all my High School teachers, Miss Lankenau has had the impact that has lasted the longest. I will never forget her.  

Thank you, Miss Lankenau, introducing me to Andrew Lloyd Webber and my enternal love for Phantom. This foundation expanded my love of theater and musicals. - DCHS Class of '91.

My deepest condolences to the family.  Ms. Lankenau taught both me and my mother in choir.  She is a great woman that inspired generations.

What a sad day for all of us, but on the same note what a beautiful day it will be in heaven. My sister and I were also students of Ms. Lankenau at DCHS. She was an amazing choir instructor and the most beautiful spirited person. Always smiling and glad to see you walk through her door. I have always remembered her by the choir note pendants that she would wear on her jackets and the one day that she kept me after class because she â€œnoticedâ€ my day was a little under the weather. We visited for about 15 minutes and she ended our conversation by playing the piano and singing Some Where Over the Rainbow. Since, I have heard that song many times even have sang it to my kids believing that at that time she was thinking of me to. Sending love and compassion to her family, friends and Ms. Meztler.

You will never know the impact you had on my life.  I remember the day I stepped on the stage at Carnegie Hall and the person I thanked in my head was you.  The gift of music that you gave will go with me until my final day.  You were an inspiration to many, and like a mother to me.  It is rare in life to know someone as great as you, you will be missed and always honored.   Much love to you, darling lady.  Vicki (Bray) Funk

Ms. Lankenau was a truly inspirational teacher and person. She influenced many of our lifes through music and singing. She will truly be missed by all of her past students. Thank you Ms. Lankenau for being a part of my life.

I KNEW GAYNEL IN DECATUR WHEN WE WERE IN HIGH SCHOOL. MY SYMPATHY TO HER FAMILY.  SINCERELY SARA GERBER SUTER  DENVER CO.

I am truely surprised and shocked to see this posted under a classmates FB comments. I guess I was not ready for the news. It has brought tears to my eyes.  I will miss you Mrs. Lankenau.  I had you for 3 yrs. as well at DCHS (83-85). I was always so amazed that when we would run into eachother at local stores you would remember me. You were passionate about music, and taught me many skills that I still use today in singing in my local church choir. You will be truely missed. May you sing with the Angels.

I have had the honor of keeping in touch with Ms. Lankenau since high school. She is the reason that I teach music today. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to introduce my family to her and share with her my daughter's acceptance to Music school. I will miss receiving her birthday cards and talking with her on the phone. She will be greatly missed. Praying for her family during this time.

Miss Lankenau taught me to read music as a 4th grader in 1968, a skill that has enriched my life immeasurably. How her light brightened up that corner room in the basement of the Wilcox Building! She encouraged my progress and love of music every time I saw her when I would visit my Dad, who also taught at Wilcox. My heart is sad that she has left us, but so happy for her that she is now singing with the best of them!

RIP Ms. Lankenau. Your legacy lives on in the inspiration you gave to have a true understanding and appreciation for music. You will truly be missed. My condolences go to Ms. Metzler and the test of your family.

I saw her a few weeks ago at church...so full of life, so vibrant, so happy!!  I don't remember I time when I didn't know her.  Our church choir will not be the same but the angels choir will be that much better!  Prayers and blessings to her family and all the lives she ever touched!!

She will be missed....I had her for DC Singers and Concert Choir at DC in 83 and 84..I have thought of her often since I graduated and remember many things that she taught us during our time together...may she rest in peace.
Lorelei Schryver Redmond

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ms. Lankenaus family.  She was my chior teacher throughout high school.  Over the years since I have often thought of those days in her classes.  Many life lessons were learned along with the music pages.  Many times I have run into her around town and stopped to chat.  I will miss those chance meetings. Sing on in Heaven Ms. Lankenau.

You were a very special lady & will be missed :(
Carolyn Sweet, Castle Rock, CO.

My heart just stropped when I read this news! Not too many "grown up kids" can say they had a teacher that they would remember always!! I do! Ms. Lankenau, you were my grade school teacher, then my choir teacher all of High School, and to this day, I remember your joyful laughter, and how much you were dedicated to your art! I was a DC Bell, and DC Choir!!. my tears are for cherishing your memory. What a beautiful Lady you were INDEED! My thoughts are with your family and friends, I will never forget you.... Kelly Dechant (Stapelman) Thorp, Washington

My heart sank when I received the message from my best friend in Colorado that Ms. Lankenau had passed. We both attended DCHS back 1986-1989 and were in Concert Choir together. Packing some stuff in my house recently I ran across the programs for our concerts back in high school. Such wonderful memories! You will be missed, and I cherish the memories that I have of choir and musicals at the school. Much love to your family in their time of mourning. Ms. Metzler, I mourn your loss. I'm so sorry...Formerly Andi Murray

Ms. Lankenau was a great teacher of some great musicals beginning with elementary school with my daughter Rochelle Payne and later with productions at the high school She was respected as a great teacher and a person of musical knowledge.  Her energies in school and with the choral groups were an admired talent. Condolences to Rosemary and Gayle's family and friends. The great memories will always be warm in our hearts and minds. Colleen Payne

I am so sorry to learn of her passing.  She was a very talented woman and a dear friend of my favorite teacher. I am sure she is already in heaven directing a huge choir of angels.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sad news. She was a great teacher and a great friend to her students. Rest in Peace, as our angels voices will be better today because of you!

My thoughts are with the family. She was my choir teacher years ago." Tiffany (Castle Rock, CO)

My condolences to her family and friends. My prayers are with you. She will be missed and made a huge impact on her students. I still sing today and remember all the good time we had in choir.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Rosemary and her sisters.  We will miss Gaynel and all the fun we had with her at the summer visits here in Indiana.  I will miss her words of wisdom and the way she was the Queen Mother of the family.  She always got everyone together and shared her stories. My visits to Castle Rock with her and Rosemany were wonderful times.  My Nephew Dan
had the time of his life with the Castle Rock Ladies.  Gaynel we will miss you deeply. The Dickerson and Creek Familys.  PS Sing songs with Helen

Gaynel taught  our children at Douglas County High School, and was an inspiration to us all.  The Berzins Family

My heart and prayers go out to Ms. Lankenau's family and friends.  May you have comfort in knowing how many lives she touched in her musical givings.  She was such an important part of my appreciation of music and pushing me to my fullest potential with singing. I attended DCHS 1983-1985 and was in DC Belles and DC Singers.  I truly do think of Ms. Lankenau so often in my current musical endeavors.  She was an incredible teacher and person and inspiration to all of us.  Thank you Ms. Lankenau for instilling in me a true heart and love for music.

Not only was she a great chior teacher, she was a great life coach as well. I will miss the words of encouragement and the short talks.

With Gaye I shared the lush pleasures of wonderful opera and I am sad to lose her, but precious memories will be with me forever.

My thoughts are with the family. She was my choir teacher years ago, and later a friend.

My condolences go out to the family of Mrs.Lankenau.  She was my high school music teacher at DCHS for several years and I truly enjoyed having her as my choir teacher.  This is a sad day for me.  My heart goes out to all of you, along with my prayers and thoughts in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,

Gaynel will truly be missed. She touched many students lives. She was a big part of mine as she was my choir teacher when she taught at Castle Rock Elm & DCHS.
As she always said "music is a part of life Sing on" She will always be remembered

Ms. Lankenau, your music touched my life forever. I heard someone sing "Blue Skies" on a PBS program and all of a sudden, I was 17 again, singing in Women's Glee. You gave me wings to fly.  In my yearbook, you wrote: "If music be the food of love, play on!" To you I say:
So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing
Thanks for all the joy they're bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty?
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me.
ABBA
Carol Fournier Crittendon

OBITUARY

Gaynel I. Lankenau

August 2, 1935 – November 2, 2010

Olinger Andrews Caldwell Gibson Chapel

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