GAYLE E. MAHANEY McCREA 

Huntington Beach, CA and Fort Fairfield, ME - Gayle E. McCrea (Mahaney) , 81 years of age, passed on to her heavenly home Thursday, January 31, 2019 after a brief battle with cancer. Gayle passed away at her home on Gallant Drive with her whole family by her side.  Gayle was born on May 7, 1937 in Mars Hill, Maine to Basil and Mona Mahaney. She was the youngest of three children. Gayle was predeceased by her parents and her brother Larry Mahaney. Surviving is her precious husband, Phil. Also Surviving is her brother Keith and his wife, Karlene Mahaney of Bangor, ME.  Phil and Gayle were married for 64 years and raised three children.  Stephanie/Taffy and her husband Glenn Clarke, Phil Jr. McCrea and his wife Ceci and Lisa McCrea.  Phil and Gayle were blessed with 8 grandchildren, Zach Clarke and his wife, Tanya, Chelsea, Cole, Luke and Austin McCrea, Denni-Rose and Wyatt McKinnie, and Destiny Rodriquez.  Two great grand daughters, Samyla and Zai-Lyn.  Gayle and Phil retired in 1989 and traveled far and wide, from Maine to California and everywhere in between with their motor home. They enjoyed their camping trips with their Elks friends, went on several cruises and traveled overseas. Throughout the years they entertained their friends and family; always up for another party. Their home was everyone's home; their door was always open. There was always room at the table for all who entered. They fed the multitudes over the years.  Gayle and Phil made many friends through their life's journey and cherished them all. Gayle had a passion for giving of herself; her hand always reaching out to console a troubled heart or to laugh out loud at a joke that she heard for the fortieth time.  Can you hear her laughter now?  I can.   From the time that Gayle was a Fort Fairfield Tiger cheerleader to her passing away, she was always active.  Gayle played the piano, was a majorette in the parades and was a life guard at the town pool.  Gayle loved to tap dance and was still dancing with her tap shoes just a year ago. Now, our precious Gayle is tap dancing in heaven and entertaining everyone that went on before her.  Gayle shaped the spirituality of those around her by her tireless Christian example; which is LOVE!  Gayle lived a full and blessed life with her husband Phil. They were soul mates right from the start. They lived a rich and abundant life together because they understood what mattered most in life; family, friends and giving of themselves.  Gayle's wit and charm will be missed by all. And that laughter - oh, we're going to miss that laughter.   Years of memories will be etched in our hearts forever, of our angel who has a new mission in heaven. We will hold dear the memories of her life, her laughter and her LOVE!  Our message to Mum -  "Missing you, BIG!  Loving you, ALWAYS. Blessed beyond measure to have known your soul!"  There was a Celebration of Gayle's Life on March 3, 2019 at  1:00PM at the Huntington Beach Elk's Lodge.  In Lieu of Flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society.