Gayle Murphy Rosenberger

Gayle Murphy Rosenberger March 10, 1951 – July 26, 2025 San Luis Obispo, California – On July 26th, Gayle Rosenberger, a very special lady, peacefully passed away at French Hospital with her beloved husband, George, by her side. She was also surrounded by family and friends. Gayle Murphy was born to Christine and Raymond Murphy on March 10, 1951, in Boise, Idaho. The first nine years of Gayle’s life found her traveling throughout the world as her father, a civil engineer, worked on remote public projects. Initially living in Nebraska, then California, Arizona, and Montana, the family then moved to Vietnam in 1958. There they first lived in a provincial capital in the Central Highlands and then in a company compound in Pleiku, where Gayle and her brother were home schooled by their mother. During their stay, Gayle experienced many adventures including receiving her first communion at the Cathedral of Saigon in 1959. When safety became an issue, Gayle’s mother escorted the children home while her father remained in Vietnam. Their journey back to Berkeley, CA included travels through Bangkok and Athens (where she met President Nasser), then finally to London where they boarded a ship home. It was on that ocean voyage where they met their future lifelong friends, the Roux family. Once home, Gayle continued her studies in the Berkeley Public Schools, graduating in 1969. She then moved to San Luis Obispo where she would spend the next 56 years of her life. As a student at Cal Poly she majored in Journalism with an emphasis in Marketing. Here she accepted a senior internship with a local commuter airline, Swift Aire. Following her internship she became a flight attendant and was ultimately promoted to the training and check-ride flight attendant. Her years with Swift Aire afforded her the opportunity to travel the world once again and make new lifelong friends. In 1975, Gayle met her future husband, George, at a Friday night social hosted by friends. Though they dated for over two years, it soon became evident that theirs was a loving relationship meant to last over 48 years. They tied the knot Thanksgiving weekend, 1977. During their time together, Gayle and George developed a wide network of family and friends, were active in their community, and enjoyed traveling the globe. In 1988, Gayle took a position with the San Luis Obispo Fire Department as the Public Education Specialist and the Public Information Officer. Beyond her work at the Fire Department, Gayle served as a founding board member of the SLO Children’s Museum, as well as a board member for both the Community Counseling Center and Festival Mozaic. As an avid sports fan, Gayle was an enthusiastic spectator. As an alumna, she especially enjoyed attending the Cal Poly baseball games. Full of energy, Gayle embraced life with laughter, kindness and joy. She had a passion for gardening and a special love of animals. Her O’Brien-Murphy Irish heritage was a source of pride. She will be remembered for her unwavering optimism, positive attitude, and grace. Gayle is preceded in death by her father Raymond and her mother Christine. Gayle is survived by her husband, George; brother, Daniel (Rose); sister in law, Ellie; nephews, Bill (Julia), James (Susan); great nephews and nieces, Ben, Drake, Ash, and Elise; godchildren, Tim, Ryan and John; the family Roux; and a special group of wonderful friends. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and staff of the UCLA Health Infusion Center in SLO. Led by Dr. Erin Chamberlain, their love and care during the last three years of Gayle’s cancer treatment were exceptional. Additional thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of French Hospital Medical Center who cared and watched over Gayle during the last weeks of her life. A mass will be celebrated in Gayle’s honor on Thursday, August 28th at 10 am in Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa on Palm Street, San Luis Obispo. Gayle will be interned in the family plot at the historic Pioneer Cemetery in Boise, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Transitions-Mental Health Association, SLO Community Counseling Center, or a charity of your choice.

Gayle Murphy Rosenberger

March 10, 1951 - July 26, 2025