Gayl Hyland, veteran, cared for others

Gayl Hyland, 82, Milton, passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024, after a short stay in Accent Hospice Care in Wilmington after a long battle with complications from a leg injury.  Gayl was born in Parris Island, S.C., Feb. 18, 1942, to  Marine Corps Maj. Donald Hyland and Imogene Hyland.

The family moved to Laurel in 1943, where Gayl grew up and later graduated from Laurel High School in 1961. Upon graduation, she joined the U.S. Navy. Throughout her life, Gayl’s work was centered on helping people and animals. She spent many years caring for her parents and many senior citizens, and for the last 15 years was a critter sitter. She loved the animals she cared for as if they were her own.

Gayl enjoyed cooking and preparing delicious meals for friends and family, especially around the holidays. She was a true Eastern Shore girl who loved to pick crabs and shuck silver queen corn. She was an avid fan of golf and football, and very proud of her hole-in-one trophy.  As a patriotic American, Gayl was a member of American Legion in Rehoboth and the VFW in Milton, and was the unofficial mayor of Luther Gardens in Milton, where she lived for 15 years. She loved to sit on her front porch pontificating with friends and neighbors.  

At the end, as throughout her life, Gayl lived life on her own terms and did it her way. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.

Survivors include brother, Jack Hyland and sister-in-law Tara Hyland; nieces, Andrea Hyland Hess and husband David, Stephanie Hyland Coates and husband Ed, Meg Ames-Conner, Sallie Van Sickle, Patricia Rowe, and Michele Ames-Hodges; and many dear friends.

Gayl was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Imogene Hyland; and lifelong dear friend, Ruth Ames.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date.

Visit Gayl’s Life memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.