Gayle (Berry) Lerch

Gayle Lynne Lerch, 59, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024. Born in Middletown, NY to Edward (Ted) and Mary Lee Berry, Gayle was the second of three children. Gayle grew up in Goshen, New York.

Gayle is survived by Mark, her beloved husband and best friend of more than 36 years, including 33 years of marriage; cherished children, Stephanie, Cynthia, Andrew and future daughter-in-law Allie; brothers, Ronald (Georgie) Berry, Stephen (Jennifer) Berry; brothers- and sisters-in-law Victor Lerch and Susan Marshall, Judy and Jeff Olson, Carol Lerch; and many loving nieces and nephews. Gayle was predeceased by her father, Edward (Ted) Berry and mother Mary Lee Berry.

Gayle graduated from Goshen High School and then received a Bachelor’s degree from Lynchburg University, double majoring in Business and French.  Gayle loved everything French and spent two different summers during her school years living in France for academic exchange programs.

Upon graduating from Lynchburg, Gayle worked as a Credit Analyst, first for Dun & Bradstreet and then for Agfa.  After Mark and Gayle married and Stephanie was born, Gayle decided it was time for a career switch, becoming a Human Development Specialist : )  

Gayle was the heart, soul, chief architect and just about everything else for the beautiful and loving family she and Mark built together. Mark, Steph, Cyn and Andrew were the most important part of her life and as the kids grew up, she enjoyed every moment with them and was so thrilled that the family grew to include Andrew’s fiancée Allie.

Gayle was a fabulous cook and enjoyed traveling and exploring new places.  She passionately loved the outdoors, good wine (no chardonnay please), her beautiful homes in Allendale, NJ and Denver, NY, skiing, hiking, playing tennis and paddle, playing the flute, reading a good book and making sure to quietly nurture and accept everyone she loved fiercely. She loved to laugh and be silly, especially while listening to music and cooking with her family.

Supporting family, friends and others in need was a meaningful part of Gayle’s life.  Several days every month, Gayle could be found in Paterson, helping to provide nourishment and support to the Guests of Eva’s Village: https://www.evasvillage.org/

For ten years, Gayle, as lovingly and selflessly as any child ever has, cared daily for her parents as Ted and Mary Lee each battled serious illnesses.  The Lustgarten Foundation: and the The Melanoma Research Foundation: lead the fight to find cures for the illnesses Ted and Mary Lee faced so courageously. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation to any of the charities mentioned above may be made in Gayle’s honor and memory.

There will be a private burial service and a celebration of Gayle’s life will be held at a later date in May.

Gayle experienced life and its many joys and challenges with grace, generosity and acceptance…and laughter too. It is hard to imagine what life will be like without Gayle and our hearts are broken, but she will always be with us.