Gayle Hall Greene Watkins

Gayle Greene Watkins, 90, of Roseville, Minnesota, formerly Berlin NH passed away surrounded by loved ones on February 28, 2026, after a brief illness. Known lovingly as "Auntie GA" or "Godmother" to those closest to her, Gayle lived a life of remarkable breadth, grace, and generosity that touched countless people across the many communities she called home. Gayle was born on January 22, 1936, in New York City to Gayton Hall Greene and Kathleen Gertrude Parker Greene. Raised in the energy and cultural richness of New York, she developed early on the qualities that would define her entire life: an expansive curiosity about the world, a deep compassion for others, and an irrepressible creative spirit. Well spoken, worldly, and well educated, Gayle carried herself with a quiet elegance that drew people to her effortlessly. She was, by every account, an absolutely beautiful person, both inside and out. From a young age, Gayle was drawn to the performing arts. She pursued acting with serious dedication and became a proud member of the legendary Actors Studio in New York, a distinction that placed her among some of the most talented and committed performers of her generation. She was not only an actor but also a playwright and writer, channeling her sharp observations of the human condition into words that moved and inspired those who encountered her work. The stage and the written page were two of her great loves, and she brought to both the same intelligence, warmth, and authenticity that characterized everything she did. Gayle was also an intrepid world traveler, exploring far corners of the globe with an open heart and an insatiable desire to learn from every culture and community she encountered. These experiences deepened her already profound empathy and fueled her lifelong commitment to activism and service. She was a helper of the poor and downtrodden, a champion of those whose voices too often went unheard, and a woman who believed that meaningful action was the truest expression of one's values. It was in the spirit of service that Gayle and her beloved husband, Lawrence "Larry" Watkins, devoted themselves to "A Place for Us," a charitable organization dedicated to feeding the homeless at St Barnabas Church in Berlin NH. Together, they volunteered tirelessly, side by side, embodying the partnership of love and purpose that defined their marriage. Larry was the love of Gayle's life, and their bond was one of deep devotion and shared commitment to making the world a kinder place. Beyond her professional and charitable pursuits, Gayle found joy and renewal in many passions. She practiced yoga faithfully, sang with enthusiasm, and participated actively in reading and writing groups that nourished her creative mind. She was a devoted animal lover who enjoyed the constant companionship of her beloved kitties, Willy and Twinkie, whose presence brought her great comfort and happiness. Gayle's faith was the cornerstone of her life. A deeply committed Christian and a faithful member of St. Barnabas Church in Berlin, New Hampshire, she served as a Eucharistic Minister for the inmates at the Northern NH State Correctional Facility in Berlin NH bringing the sacrament to others with reverence and humility. She immersed herself in church activities and Bible studies, finding in her relationship with God the strength and peace that sustained her through every season of life. She had a remarkable ability to make the best out of difficult situations, a resilience rooted in her unwavering trust in the Lord's plan. Her faith was not something she merely professed; it was something she lived, every single day, in every act of kindness, every word of encouragement, and every moment of selfless giving. Gayle was the godmother and matriarch of her family, a role she embraced with fierce love and gentle wisdom. She was a friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing her, and many of those friends became like family over the course of her rich and generous life. Gayle was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence Watkins; her parents, Gayton Hall Greene and Kathleen Gertrude Parker Greene; her sister, Valerie Parker Greene; as well as her Step daughter Amy Melinda Watkins and her Great Nephew Joshua Benjamin Knochin, who were dear to her heart. She is survived by her sister, Linda Greene; her step son David Watkins, her nieces, and God daughters June Gorman Knochin and her husband Joe, Jennifer McCabe Barshack and her husband Evan, and Angela Gorman Short; and her husband Darren her nephew, G. Jason Gorman and his wife Cheri; Cousins Katherine Parker and Jeanne Greene, and many adoring great and great-great nieces and nephews, as well as a wide circle of loving friends who cherished her deeply. Gayle will be laid to rest in the family plot alongside her beloved Larry at Elmwood Cemetery in Franconia, New Hampshire. A celebration of life will be held at a later date at the same location. Details will be shared with family and friends in the coming weeks. In Gayle's life, we see the fullness of what it means to live with purpose, faith, and love. She now rests in the arms of her Savior, reunited with those she loved who went before her, her beautiful spirit finally home.