Official Obituary of Gayle McKenna

It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Gayle McKenna announces her passing this past Monday at the age of 69.  Surrounded by family and friends in her last days, as well as the volunteers from the Ovarian Cancer Coalition of Greater California, whom she loved, and who helped embody Gayle’s passion and supported her vision to educate and empower women to take chare of their own health.

Born in Elkton, South Dakota in 1944, Gayle spent the last 40 years in Los Angeles, where the community of Studio City was her home.  Gayle is survived by Jim Mckenna, her daughter Jennifer, and her son Rich.  Private burial services are taking place in Elkton, South Dakota.  Per her request, there will be a public memorial for Gayle held in Los Angeles in the coming weeks.  Information will be provided on her website and through her organization, the OCC.

Everyone who knew Gayle knows she was a truly remarkable person, as a mom, as a leader in the community, and as an inspiration for women across the United States.  She will be missed, but Gayle would want the work she began to continue on after her death.  Information about her foundation for Ovarian Cancer support and research can be found at www.ovariancancercalifornia.com. 

May her memory be a cause for celebration and inspiration.  She will be missed.  In lieu of flowers or condolences to the family, please consider a donation to the OCC, and keep the memory of Gayle’s lifelong work and vision alive.