Gayle Sternheim
April 15, 1941 — December 31, 2025
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Obituary
Gayle B. Sternheim (nee Brand), of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Wednesday, December 31st, 2025, at the age of 84. She is survived by her beloved husband, Charles E. Sternheim; her loving daughters, Heidi Sternheim and Sabrina (Jason) Wallach; her dear brother, Michael Brand; and her cherished grandchildren, Sophia Wallach (James Duffy) and Jaden Wallach. She was predeceased by her loving parents, Harriet and Sidney Brand; and her dear sisters-in-law, Thelma Mazer and Emily Brand.
Gayle was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Brooklyn College where she double majored in English and Sociology, She met the love of her life Chuck her junior year of college. They were married in 1962 in Brooklyn, NY and honeymooned “far away” in Manhattan. They moved to Columbia, MD in 1972 where they raised their two daughters. Sophia and Jaden, their grandchildren loved to visit Flight Feather, and she welcomed them with open arms and kisses.
Gayle had a lifelong interest in the arts as one who admired the creativity of others and then as a creator herself. Her art took many forms. Through all these art forms her main focus was on color. In her own words:
“Color ‘caught’ my eye at an early age, perhaps first, as a young girl, when I stood by my grandfather’s side and watched him make beautiful clothes for individual customers. It followed naturally that my choice of color and color patterns became important to me when I dressed my dolls, selected my own clothes, or when, as an adult, I decorated the house where we live as a family. Not surprisingly, color choice was a prime determinant of how I expressed myself in my art, whatever form it took; ceramics, quilting or painting. And, in recent years, when I developed an interest in art journaling and collage. I benefited in a major way by studying under very talented artist-instructors, who inspired me.
In addition to using color in these different ways, color has also helped me develop a fuller sense of myself - a way to soul search – to better understand what is most meaningful to me in all aspects of my life. Thank you, Grandpa.”
The family will be sharing a video tribute to Gayle, showcasing her various art works. Please omit flowers. Contributions in her memory may be sent to Gilchrist Cares (Tanzania Hospice Partnership), Attn: Philanthropy Department, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or to Ascension Saint Agnes Foundation (Neurology Department), MB #123, 900 S. Caton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21229.
Gayle was born in Brooklyn, New York and attended Brooklyn College where she double majored in English and Sociology, She met the love of her life Chuck her junior year of college. They were married in 1962 in Brooklyn, NY and honeymooned “far away” in Manhattan. They moved to Columbia, MD in 1972 where they raised their two daughters. Sophia and Jaden, their grandchildren loved to visit Flight Feather, and she welcomed them with open arms and kisses.
Gayle had a lifelong interest in the arts as one who admired the creativity of others and then as a creator herself. Her art took many forms. Through all these art forms her main focus was on color. In her own words:
“Color ‘caught’ my eye at an early age, perhaps first, as a young girl, when I stood by my grandfather’s side and watched him make beautiful clothes for individual customers. It followed naturally that my choice of color and color patterns became important to me when I dressed my dolls, selected my own clothes, or when, as an adult, I decorated the house where we live as a family. Not surprisingly, color choice was a prime determinant of how I expressed myself in my art, whatever form it took; ceramics, quilting or painting. And, in recent years, when I developed an interest in art journaling and collage. I benefited in a major way by studying under very talented artist-instructors, who inspired me.
In addition to using color in these different ways, color has also helped me develop a fuller sense of myself - a way to soul search – to better understand what is most meaningful to me in all aspects of my life. Thank you, Grandpa.”
The family will be sharing a video tribute to Gayle, showcasing her various art works. Please omit flowers. Contributions in her memory may be sent to Gilchrist Cares (Tanzania Hospice Partnership), Attn: Philanthropy Department, 11311 McCormick Road, Suite 350, Hunt Valley, MD 21031 or to Ascension Saint Agnes Foundation (Neurology Department), MB #123, 900 S. Caton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21229.
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