Gayle Marie Whitesell

Gayle Marie (Jasmin) Whitesell, age 88, of Plymouth, Minnesota, passed away February 27, 2023. She grew up in Minneapolis, graduated from Washburn High and the University of Minnesota (B.A. 1955, M.A. in Library Science 1956). With husband Ashley, a family doctor (married 1957), she moved to Buffalo, MN to raise their four children and put down roots in the community. She worked as a substitute teacher and took an active role in local culture and education, co-founding the Little Buffalo Nursery School and the Wright County Arts Association. A dedicated champion of lifelong learning, she was a citizen activist for 30 years in community education, receiving state and national awards in this field. She was a founding member of the National Advisory Council Network for Community Education, and proudly received her Ph.D. for research in this field in 2000 at the age of 65. Her memberships include Alpha Phi Sorority, University of Minnesota Alumni Association, and Minnesota Medical Association Auxiliary. In 1993 she and Ashley retired to Arizona, surrounded by friends old and new. They took advantage of opportunities to travel the world, touring France, Greece, Europe, the Holy Land, Bangkok, Peru, Russia, Africa and many other destinations. Gayle treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren when she was in Minnesota and when they traveled to Arizona. She passed on her love of reading, music, travel, creative play and quirky fun! She had a great love for French culture, learning new words, delving into books, spontaneously dancing to organ music, singing in choir, designing kooky Christmas cards, and archiving family history. With her sharp intelligence, devilish wit, organizational skill and personal resolve, her talents often overflowed their outlets. Gayle is survived by her children, Lloyd "Chip" (Gunny) Whitesell (Montreal, Canada), Tim (Nancy) Whitesell (Annandale), Heather (Ev) Whitesell (Minnetonka), and Heidi (Lisa) Whitesell (Silver Spring, Maryland); grandchildren, Erika (John) Zignego, Elise (Sam) Olson, Emeral (Tanner) Olean, Marichel (Adam) Mejia, and Julian (Kristina) Mejia; great-grandchildren, Lily Zignego, Lucy Zignego, Johnny Zignego, and Porter Olean; brother, Jud (Faye) Jasmin; sister, Merrily (Jerry) Smale; sister-in-law, Karen Whitesell; and many cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by husband, Lloyd "Ashley" Whitesell; parents, Paul and Mary Jasmin; sister, Judy Jorgensen; brother-in-law, Al Whitesell; and sister-in-law, Jean Jasinski. A celebration for Gayle's life will be held April 14, 2023 at St. George's Episcopal Church, 5224 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park (visitation at 10:00 am, service at 11:00 with lunch to follow). Her children ask that you wear purple in honor of their mom. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the University of Minnesota Foundation in support of the medical school (inquiries 612-624-3333; 800-775-2187; https://give.umn.edu/) or the St. George's Episcopal Church music department fund (inquiries 952-926-1646).

Tributes

Gayle Marie Whitesell

February 11, 1935 - February 27, 2023

Tributes

Gayle Marie Whitesell

February 11, 1935 - February 27, 2023

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