Gail Lynn Pittala

Gail Lynn Pittala, 72, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, formerly of Seattle, WA., passed away with her daughters by her side on Friday, February 6, 2015 at Fort Lauderdale Health & Rehabilitation Center. She was born June 28, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, to Joseph and Martha (Desmond) Pittala.

Gail was a member of the Yoga Research Foundation, and was a student of Shri Swami Satyananda Saraswati, where she received her spiritual name, Nirakara Saraswati. She was a world traveler and made many pilgrimages to India and Nepal, where she visited and studied in the Dalai Lama Buddhist Temple. She loved animals, gardening, and was an avid reader. She volunteered with orphaned children in South America, India, Pakistan and Nepal and supported midwifery as a translator during childbirth in Seattle, WA.

She sought enlightenment and studied different philosophies and religions. She cared deeply about the planet and the people in it. She tried to make the world a better place by being active in politics at the grass roots level, and she empowered her children to do the same. Many times she was afraid but this did not stop her questioning and seeking answers. This is what made her brave! In her words, "My religion is kindness."

Gail is survived by her children: Bryan MaCaya (oldest son), Sherri DeHaas (oldest daughter), Ronni Orezzoli, and Sharon Hernandez (youngest daughter); and grandchildren: Tony, Tom, John, and Cara (Ronni's children), and Bryan Jr. and April (Bryan's children). Gail is preceded in death by her father, Joseph Pittala; mother, Martha Pittala (Desmond); and sister, Joan MaCaya (Pittala).

Please visit www.nirakarasaraswati.com to celebrate her!