Gayle Uilkema-Thomas

Gayle Marie Uilkema-Thomas, age 53, of South Middleton Township passed away on Sunday, December 20, 2015 at her home following a series of long illnesses.  Gayle was born on June 26, 1962 in Newton, NJ to T. S. Jarl Uilkema and the late Carolyn Michael Uilkema.  Gayle had retired from her job as a psychiatric nurse caseworker with Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute of Harrisburg in April of 2014.  Gayle was a 1980 graduate of Carlisle High School and a 1995 graduate of the Harrisburg Area Community College School of Nursing.  She was also a licensed beautician and had worked as a caseworker for CPARC of Cumberland County before attending nursing school.  Gayle was a deeply caring, empathetic and loving person who excelled at helping people.  But the greatest joy in her life was being a mom.  She loved her 3 cats and her collection of hundreds of pins from all over the world.  She is survived by her husband of nearly 23 years, Ray R. Thomas, and daughter Katherine L. “Katie” Thomas of South Middleton Township.  Gayle is also survived by her dad, Jarl “Dutch” Uilkema of Carlisle, brothers Jarl Uilkema of Danville and John Uilkema (Rebecca) of Newville, and sisters Gwen Beard (Brian) of Cornwall and Dede Rothman of Mechanicsburg.  A private family interment will be held on Tuesday, December 29 ^th , 2015 at Westminster Memorial Gardens, Carlisle.  All are invited to a visitation at 1 and a memorial service at 2 at First Presbyterian Church, 2a North Hanover Street on the Carlisle Square with the Rev. Anthony Lorenz officiating  A light lunch will follow in the church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 1019 Mumma Rd. Wormleysburg, Pa 17043.

Ronan Funeral Home, Carlisle, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To express an on-line condolence, please visit www.ronanfh.com.