Gail Marie Pyne, 78, of Chambersburg, PA, formerly of Fairfield, Connecticut, beloved Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother passed into her Lord and Savior’s arms on Monday, February 19, 2018 as her loved ones held her hands, sang her favorite hymns and worship songs, read scripture verses, and prayed with her at Chambersburg Hospital.

Born July 13, 1939 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Gail was adopted by the late Charles Francis Riedel and the late Anna Margaret (O’Neill) Riedel of Fairfield, Connecticut. Gail attended St. Thomas Aquinas Elementary School in Fairfield. Gail matriculated to the Academy of our Lady of Mercy Lauralton Hall in Milford CT Class of 1957, where she also played on the field hockey team, and made many life-long friends. After graduation she attended University of Bridgeport majoring in Nursing.

In 1988, while working as an in-home health care provider and raising children, Gail felt called to teaching and enrolled at Wilson College graduating with a degree in Foreign Languages. Gail served as a High School educator at Cumberland Valley Christian School (Chambersburg, PA), Shalom Christian Academy (Chambersburg, PA), Frederick County Public Schools (Frederick, MD). Among the many subjects Gail taught were Spanish, Latin, French, Science, and Biology. Gail also utilized her gifts and talents directing several stage performances with high school drama students, including traveling with her students to perform at various venues throughout Pennsylvania.

An avid reader, Gail greatly enjoyed studying her Bible and praying, including daily lifting up the many people for whom she promised to pray. Even when she was no longer able to drive, she faithfully reached out through phone calls, texting, and social media to share the love that so profoundly changed the course of events in her life - the love of her Savior, Jesus Christ. One of the most often spoken descriptors of Gail was her unconditional love she freely gave to all that were blessed to know her. Along with her love of Jesus and people, she also enjoyed music especially hymns and worship songs. A proficient word-smith and eloquent writer, Gail found joy in artfully communicating her thoughts through stories, letters, and poems. She faithfully wrote in her journals and taught the importance of journal writing to her grandchildren. Of special importance to Gail, was sharing her testimony of salvation to countless people, including those she visited in jail. Gail accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1971 and immediately began growing in her relationship with Him, eventually becoming a long-time member of The Open Door Church in Chambersburg, PA. She began introducing others to her Lord, including the late Nancy Stoner who was a beloved “sister” to her. Among all Gail’s accomplishments, activities, and experiences, she would readily tell you that the greatest of those were her children and grandchildren and would then quote III John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear my children walk in truth.”

Gail was preceded in death by Neil Michael Glynn (brother), Charles Francis Riedel (Adoptive Father), Anna Margaret (O’Neill) Riedel (Adoptive Mother), Nancy J. Stoner (“Sister”), Michael Nielson (infant son), and Ana-Lauren G. Nielson (granddaughter). She leaves behind her five children and their spouses: Bradley T. (Stacey L.) Nielson, Sr. of Frederick, MD, N. Rochelle (Greg C.) Frisina of Coppell, TX, Anne M. (Brian C.) Reidell of Enola, PA, Charles B. (Christina M.) Pyne of Chambersburg, PA, and Joseph J. (Rochelle J.) Pyne of Chambersburg, PA. She leaves behind three step-children and their spouses: Donald W. (Brenda L.) Pyne of Newburg, PA, Gregory S. (Judy A.) Pyne of Newburg, PA, and Lorraine K. (William L.) Miley of Chambersburg, PA. Gail also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. Along with her family, she will be greatly missed by her countless friends, colleagues, and students. Should she be able to tell us from Heaven, she would humbly and deeply thank those who supported her spiritually with their many prayers and words of encouragement, as well as physically and emotionally, through providing shelter and companionship, transportation to and from doctor and hospital visits and to run errands, sitting by her side or visiting during many hospital stays, and many other acts of kindness. Though there are some who specifically come to mind, her family acknowledges she had many friends and supporters throughout the years.

Public viewing on Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at The Open Door Church, 600 Miller St., Chambersburg, PA. A public viewing will also be held on Monday, February 26, 2018 from 10:00-11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. both held at The Open Door Church.

The family suggested in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations (Please remember to inform each organization that your donation is in memory of Gail Pyne):
Cumberland Valley Christian School, 600 Miller Street, Chambersburg, PA 17201 (717-264-3266) or Shalom Christian Academy, 126 Social Island Rd., Chambersburg, PA, 17202, (717-375-2223.)

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