Gayle S. Shapiro

Gayle Susan Shapiro passed away on January 29, 2026 at the age of 73. Born on October 26th, 1952 in Chicago, IL, Gayle was the beloved daughter of Robert and Esther Joseph, z”l, and the sister of Martin (Nancy, z”l) Joseph, z”l, and Fern (Larry) Kane. Gayle attended Mather High School and graduated from The University of Illinois at Chicago Circle with a degree in Computer Science. Gayle met the love of her life, her husband Barry, through their involvement in the United Synagogue Youth movement. They married during Gayle’s senior year of college and made Aliyah to Israel in 1977 where their eldest Danya (Matt Becker) was born. The family moved back to Chicago in 1980 as Gayle desired to be closer to her sister Fern, mother-in-law Ruth Shapiro, z”l, and sister-in-law Robbie Schonfeld, all of whom she dearly adored. Gayle and Barry later moved to Highland Park, IL to raise Danya. Their son Ari (Abigail) and daughter Karen Brieske (Morgan Pepper) soon followed. Gayle’s community blossomed in Highland Park where she formed lifelong friendships, helped establish multiple chavurah groups, and created a Jewish home filled with love, laughter, and lots of desserts. Gayle and Barry’s Shabbat table and guest rooms were always open to friends and family, hosting a multitude of loved ones from near and far. Gayle built her career in computer systems, working at Illinois Bell, Northern Trust Bank, the Great Lakes Naval Station, and other organizations before shifting gears and joining the crew at Trader Joe’s. Once she retired, Gayle kept busy with a variety of organizational and artistic projects for family and friends. Her legacy lives on in the chuppot, tallis bags, baby blankets, and more that she lovingly crafted for her family and her community. One of Gayle’s most beloved roles was as a mother, extending far beyond her own 3 children. She was an extra mom to the friends of her kids, the store mom at Trader Joe’s, and a foster mom to the numerous children who were welcomed into the Shapiro home over many years. Gayle and Barry were honored by the Jewish Children’s Bureau of Metropolitan Chicago as “Foster Parents of the Year” for their efforts to open their home and their hearts to those in need. Gayle took great nachas in the achievements and successes of her four grandchildren: Ruth and Ziv Becker and Reuben and Elly Shapiro. She loved living near her grandkids, and afternoon baking projects, collaborating on gigantic LEGO creations, and weekly Shabbat dinners were highlights for Grandma and grandkids alike. The funeral service will be held at Congregation Shaarey Tikvah on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at 11:30 a.m. with interment at Mount Olive Cemetery. To view the service online, please visit https://boxcast.tv/view/funeral-of-gayle-shapiro-c0brexyqjesj3cbomrfb. Password: 1026. Shiva will be held at 24150 Wimbledon Rd., Shaker Heights, OH on Sunday, February 1st after the funeral until 8:00 p.m., Monday-Thursday, February 2nd -5th from 4:00 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to either Habonim Dror Camp Tavor or the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School.

Gayle S. Shapiro

October 26, 1952 - January 29, 2026