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Gale was born to Helen and George Gettinger in New York and moved to Georgia at age 10. She graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with an English degree and studied journalism in grad school at Temple University.
Gale began her career in corporate journalism, which included some photography, and after a few years switched to photography as a career. She soon had her own flourishing business as a portrait photographer specializing in children and families for the next 30 years. Gale became a master at her craft, producing timeless, heartwarming, and meaningful portraits for her clients. She had a real knack for engaging children and capturing a client's personality and joy.
Gale met her husband during graduate school in Philadelphia, and they spent three years in Los Angeles before moving to Pittsburgh, Penn., where they lived for 28 years and raised their two children. She always wanted to move back to California - so they relocated to the Bay area in 2009.
Gale was an avid traveler who loved to meet people from other cultures and explore new places. She was a voracious reader and had a deep thirst for knowledge. Outgoing and making friends easily, Gale joined multiple social groups, including book clubs, gardening clubs and mahjong groups. She was an excellent cook who loved preparing real foods from scratch with organic ingredients. She created artistic nature-photo travel note cards to give as gifts, and more recently started producing dried flower art. She enjoyed nature walks, gardening, and loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Gale had a strong spirit, great resolve, and a life well-lived. May her memory be for a blessing.
Gale is survived by her husband Richard Ash; daughter Julie Gettinger Ash; son Brian Gettinger Ash (Sharon Sha); grandson Sage and granddaughter Seraphine; brother Glen Gettinger (Cheryl); and many cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters-in law and brothers-in law. Gale was preceded in death by her parents George and Helen Gettinger and her sister Jill Gettinger (who is survived by husband Bob Finnerty).
In lieu of flowers, Gale's family would be grateful for donations in Gale's memory to the charity of your choice, or to PanCAN.org. Interment service for immediate family; celebration of life arrangements pending.
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA