Gayle J Egan

Gayle J. Lucas Egan passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the age of 83 years, with her loving family present. She was born on September 15, 1942, in Chicago, to loving parents, Josephine and Walter Lucas. She and her younger brother, Walter (Sandy) grew up on the South Side in a home filled with faith, family, and strong values.
A proud graduate of Maria High School, where she was an accomplished majorette with the marching band, she carried the lessons of those early years—kindness, resilience, and quiet strength—throughout her life.
After high school, Gayle attended beauty school and began a lengthy career of hairstyling, alongside her mother, Josephine, both in Chicago and later in Hinsdale, at the infamous Snip & Curl beauty shop. She later became a creative entrepreneur for various industries.

Gayle married James P. Egan, with whom she built a beautiful and loving family. She enjoyed being a part of Jim’s big family, and became a loving sister to his siblings. Together Jim and Gayle had four children - Erin (John), Jim (Tracy), Jon, and Amy (Tom) - who remained the center of her heart. Gayle’s selfless love created a home where her children felt safe, supported, and deeply cared for. Her steady encouragement, gentle wisdom, and ability to find light in difficult moments shaped each of them in lasting ways.
Over the years, as the Egan and Lucas families grew, Gayle became a loving godmother and aunt to many of the children.

After James passed, Gayle moved to Riverside, where she continued to build a life centered around faith and family.

A few years later, she reconnected with Tom Pelegrino. Although never officially married, they shared nearly 50 years of devoted partnership. His presence brought warmth, laughter, support and companionship. Gayle loved Tom’s children, Todd and Lisa, as her own and cherished the many times the extended family came together to celebrate birthdays and holidays. In more recent years, Gayle also enjoyed time with Tom’s daughter, Tammy, and her husband, Richard.

One of Gayle’s greatest joys was becoming a grandmother. She cherished each of her grandchildren—Adam (Melissa), Jack (Stacey), Quinn, Connor, Cali (Doug), Chase, and Lauren (Dale) and her great grand-children, Logan, Skylar, and Avery Leigh. She showered them with the same boundless faith and love she poured into every part of her life. She celebrated their accomplishments, comforted them in their struggles, and made every one of them feel uniquely valued.


Gayle was known for her radiant smile, gentle humor, and the way she made room in her heart for everyone. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Whether it was a warm hug, a listening ear, or her signature reminder—“things will be okay”—Gayle brought reassurance and peace to all who knew her.

Her life was defined by love, faith, and an unwavering devotion to the people she cherished. She will be remembered for her warm spirit, compassion, and the comfort she brought to all who knew her, whether family or friend.

She leaves behind her children, her treasured grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, extended family, and dear friends—all forever grateful for the gift of her presence.
Gayle’s legacy is one of compassion, resilience, and endless love. Her spirit will continue to guide the family she nurtured so faithfully.

Visitation will be Private for immediate family only with a Celebration of Life open to all to be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, trees or memorial donations, please consider a donation to support Gayle’s grand-nephew Sean Patrick in his ongoing journey to healing.