Gayle Galantir Michael

Gayle Granatir Michael, a beloved mother and grandmother, educational expert, and community leader, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026.

Mrs. Michael was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Meyer and Anna Rosenfeld. Her early interests included modeling, music and literature; she was a classical concert pianist at the age of 13. Gayle also enjoyed French cooking and traveling overseas throughout her life, sharing both passions with her sons while raising them.

Mrs. Michael graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and from St. Joseph’s University with a Master of the Arts degree. In her career, Mrs. Michael embarked on a journey that blended her passion for education with a deep commitment to service. Mrs. Michael started her career as a teacher and coach at Media Borough School District, and then moved to Woodrow Wilson High School in Camden. She spent one year at an advertising agency as a production manager before returning to teaching in the Norristown Area School District. Her last full-time position in education was as a professor at Rutgers University in Camden. Her teaching career focused on English and English literature (particularly Shakespeare); students remember her as tough and caring, and a teacher who demanded they give their best.

Mrs. Michael ceased full-time employment upon the birth of her children, and served as an educational consultant, academic tutor, and political consultant during the coming decades. Mrs. Michael was named to the Pennsylvania Honor Roll of Women, served as a charter member of the National Council of Women Advisors to the U.S. Congress, and served on the Alumni Board of Governors of St. Joseph’s University. She was particularly proud to have co-founded and served as Chair of Montgomery County Women’s Leadership. She also enjoyed helping the community by serving on the Advisory Board of the Montgomery County Office of Children & Youth, on Belmont Hills Library Board of Trustees, and as a committeewoman for the Montgomery County Republican Committee (for nearly 34 years).

For her educational and civic work, Mrs. Michael received the Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Award and was named to the cover of Marquis Insight Magazine (5th Edition) – both of which she was most proud. Nonetheless, she was known to consider raising her sons and observing their successes to be her biggest honor.

Mrs. Michael is survived by her sons, Matthew (Jean) and Geoffrey (Heidi); grandchildren Vincent, Madeleine, Alexander, and Maxwell; and many treasured friends and former students. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Vincent.

This obituary commemorates the passing of a terrific mother, mentor, friend, role model, and North Star. 

A private service honoring Mrs. Michael will be held on Monday, February 9, 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Vincent R. and Gayle G. Michael Computer Prize, Attn: Jen Fifer - Advancement Office, 1785 Bishop White Drive, Newtown Square, PA 19073.

Arrangements by Joseph Levine & Sons - www.levinefuneral.com