Gayl Jane (Rusch) Smith

  Obituary Gayl Smith 1954-2024 Gayl, also known as Me-maw, lived for her family, especially her grandchildren. If she didn't know where they were or if they were okay on a daily basis, she was going to blow up everyone's phones until she got a response. She thought about them day and night. Even when she was confused, she would yell out their names. Gayl Smith, 69 years old, of Penn Hills, PA passed away peacefully at her daughter's home while on hospice. She was born in Pittsburgh in 1954 to Ronald and Margaret Rusch. Gayl lost her mother at a young age of 14, and all she would talk about was how wonderful her mother was and how her mother could do it all while making it look effortless - cook, bake, ride a bike, ice skate, roller skate, sew, and how hard of a worker she was. As a child, she was remembered as a kind, loving, and easy-toget-along-with person. She enjoyed camping with her family and making dances with her sister. Gayl graduated from Plum Senior High School before attending business school and graduating with her Associates. Gayl met the love of her life, Robert Smith, in 1985 while working at the Pennysaver. In 1988, they welcomed their first child, Heather. Gayl loved becoming a stay-at-home mother and housewife, making sure her family was always her main priority. Though she loved being a mother and a wife, Gayl's favorite role was that of a grandparent. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being there for them as ME-MAW, never failing to miss a birthday, holiday, or event in which everyone got a special card - even the puppy. Gayl will always be remembered for her love and the way she cared about her family. We'll always imagine her telling us she loved us, one more time. We couldn't have asked for a better wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, or friend, and we will miss Gayl every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved her. Gayl was preceded in death by Margaret Rusch (mother), Ronald Rusch (father), and is survived by Robert Smith (husband), Heather Freeman (daughter), Sheila Blummer and Ronald Blummer (sister and brother-in-law), Ronald and Charlene Rusch (brother and sister-in-law), Brandon Freeman Jr. (grandson), Nakiya Freeman (granddaughter), Alahna Freeman (granddaughter), and Gabriel Freeman (grandson). She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews.  

Family and friends will be received on Friday, June 28, 2024, from 2:00 – 3:00 pm.  Service will follow visitation 3:00 pm at the Findlay C. Wylie Funeral Home, Inc., 11311 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills.

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