Obituary of Gayle Esther Breland

May 7, 1946 – July 14, 2024

Our treasured mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt passed away in her home at age 78 on Sunday, July 14, 2024.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mack Jensen and Amalie ‘Molly’ Jensen (Anton), sister Wendy Jensen and former spouse Jules (Rick) Breland, and is survived by two siblings, Scott (Brenda) Jensen of Grande Prairie, AB, and Jacqueline (Robert) Bell of Red Deer; she is also survived by her daughter Rhonda Breland of Melville, SK, grandson Dylan Breland and granddaughter-in-Law Halee Wyporowich of Melville, SK, son Darren Breland of Grande Prairie, AB, five nieces and nephews and four great-nieces and nephews and many extended family relatives.

Gayle was born in Maple Creek, SK. Her family moved from Calgary, AB, to Valleyview, AB, shortly after she graduated from high school in 1964. She then attended and graduated from Fairview College in 1966. Later she earned her business administration diploma from Grande Prairie Regional College where she was recognized for leadership by the student union. Her business administration career ended when she retired from R. Wald & Sons Moving & Storage in Grande Prairie, AB, after over a decade of dedicated service. She moved to Melville, SK, in 2020 to be close to her family.

In 1973 she became a member of the Canadian Kennel Club and greatly enjoyed raising, breading, and showing Rough Collies and Pembroke Welsh Corgi’s. Gayle had many hobbies such as liquid embroidery, she loved to crochet and bake for friends and family. Her efforts frequently brought her to local farmer's markets to display and sell her hand-crafted goods. She also carried a great joy of cooking. Special dinner parties and holiday feasts were constantly looked forward to as happy times of fellowship and sharing.

Her love of family and friends was always warmly felt. She had a spark for life and quickly left endearing impressions on all who met her. Her absence will be sorely felt by all who knew her.

A Celebration of Gayle’s and Wendy’s Lives will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 - 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB). Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Gayle’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gayle’s family here.

In living memory of Gayle Esther Breland, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.