Gayle C. Shinn October 3, 1953 - March 11, 2022

Gayle C. Shinn, 68, of Chadds Ford, PA became a beloved Angel in Heaven on March 11, 2022 after fiercely battling a long illness. Born in Chester, PA on October 3rd, 1953, Gayle was the first daughter to the late Robert W. Shinn and Shirley A. Shinn (Sweeney).

Gayle graduated from Chichester High School in 1971. Upon graduation, she began her professional career working for a local District Magistrate as well as the Delaware County court system. In 1974 she was hired as a clerk typist at the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop K, Media station. Loved and respected by her colleagues, she retired 37 years later in 2011. Always putting the needs of others before her own, Gayle was devoted to her family and friends and was always there to lend an ear, a hand and support.

Gayle loved her job at the PSP, gardening, going to Longwood Gardens, watching cooking and home renovation TV shows, doing cross stitch and crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. Most importantly, she loved spending time with her family and friends and sharing in their passions and adventures. She was a loving and devoted daughter, granddaughter, sister, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She leaves a lasting legacy with all.

Gayle is survived by her sister, Cindy Garzia (Shinn) of Brookhaven, PA; her brother, Robert Shinn of Rehoboth, DE; and nephews Kyle Garzia and wife Elizabeth of Cupertino, CA and Shawn Shinn of Bellmawr, NJ.

A Celebration of Life will be held in April.

Donations in Gayle’s memory may be made to the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center by clicking this link. ; or by mail, making a check payable to the “Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania” and include a note indicating the “University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center-In Memory of Gayle Shinn” and mail to Penn Medicine Development, 3535 Market Street, Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104

A Celebration of Life will be held in April.

Condolences(9)

  1. REPLY
    Sandy Schmid says

    I have the privilege of being Gayle’s neighbor for over 20 years. She was a wonderful friend. One of the nicest people I have ever met. Always had a kind word and a smile for everyone! I will miss her.

  2. REPLY
    John McIlhinney says

    I worked with Gayle at the Media barracks in the early 90s. She was a great clerk and a wonderful person.

  3. REPLY
    Captain David Young (Ret) says

    Hard to believe Gayle is gone. I had the pleasure of serving with her when I was a Cpl at Media and again when I was the Troop Commander. Gayle was the glue that held the PSP Media Barracks together. RIP and thank you for all you did.

  4. REPLY
    Michael Mateleska Jr says

    I worked with Gayle in the 70s at PSP, Troop K, Media. She was one of the most kind and caring person I have ever met. Gayle took care of any body that needed assistance and was a total pleasure to be around. She will be remembered by all personnel that worked at the Media station. God rest her soul.

    Mike Mateleska

  5. REPLY
    Captain Thomas LaCrosse (Ret.) says

    I worked with Gayle in the early 80’s as a Trooper at Media Station. She was such a pleasure to work with, always friendly, helpful and knowledgable. It’s a rare person who can be described as someone everyone likes. That was Gayle.

  6. REPLY
    Rosemary McGuire says

    How lucky we were at PSP Media to have someone that makes saying goodbye so hard. Gayle will be spoken fondly by many of us for years to come.

  7. REPLY
    Michael Suter says

    Still can not believe Gayle is gone. I was so lucky to have gotten to work closely with her at PSP Media during my career there – she took such great care of all the troopers that walk the halls at the Media barracks. She was also very special to my family – my wife and kids considered her family. She will be forever missed and fondly spoken of for years to come.

  8. REPLY
    Mark Wasmer says

    I worked with Gayle during my time as a Trooper assigned to the Media Station. Gayle was always willing to assist with anything needed. She was instrumental in making that station run. She was kind, caring, with a heart of gold. My thoughts and prayers to her loved ones. Rest in peace Gayle.

  9. REPLY
    ed carpenter says

    she was the kindest person I ever worked with. She was just such a nice person. I have great memories, she was a babysitter to my children. I so sorry to see her gone.

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