Gaylord Allen Dunn Hallagan, known to all as Gayl, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by the family she cherished above all else.

Born in Pittsford, New York, to Howard M. Dunn and Abigail K. Dunn, Gayl was raised with an appreciation for family, friendship, and community that would define her life. She attended the Columbia School in Rochester, New York, graduated from Rosemary Hall in Greenwich, Connecticut, and later attended Green Mountain College.

Following her marriage to S. Dudley Hallagan, Jr. in July 1964, Navy life first brought them to Newport, Rhode Island, before they established roots in East Greenwich and ultimately Bristol, where they spent the last 29 years. Over the course of sixty-two years together, they built a life centered on family, friendship, and the traditions that meant so much to them.

Gayl had a gift for bringing people together. Whether hosting holidays, organizing family gatherings, or planning memorable trips for her growing family, she created traditions that became touchstones for those she loved. Her home was a place of warmth and welcome, filled with laughter, conversation, and family traditions passed from one generation to the next.

She devoted many years to volunteering at Lying-In/Women & Infants Hospital, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the Bristol Fourth of July Committee. She also found joy in life's simple pleasures: a good book, tending her garden, favorite music, bike rides, family stories, knitting for those she loved, and planning the next adventure with her family. She was happiest when surrounded by those she loved.

More than any accomplishment, Gayl's proudest role was as the heart and matriarch of her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband, S. Dudley Hallagan, Jr.; her four sons, Stuart D. Hallagan III and his wife Pamela, Palmer Dunn Hallagan and his wife Ann-Marie, R. Traxson Hallagan and his wife Kerri, and Bowman Allen Hallagan and his wife Allison; and her grandchildren, Stuart D. Hallagan IV, Spencer A. Hallagan, Abigail G. Hallagan, Emma Dunn Hallagan, and Grayson Allen Hallagan. She is also survived by her brother, Wheeler Van Brocklin and his wife Patty; her sister, Susan Chesnik and her husband Edward; and Tucker, her faithful companion.

Throughout her illness, Gayl drew strength from the support of family and friends and was deeply grateful for the care and compassion provided by her caregivers and by her teams at Rhode Island Hospital Cancer Center and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Gayl's true legacy lives on in the family she loved so completely. Nothing brought her greater happiness than having her four sons, four daughters-in-law, and five grandchildren together around her table, sharing stories, laughter, and time with one another. Through the traditions she created the memories she shaped, the values she instilled, and the love she gave so freely, her spirit will continue to live on for generations. She will be profoundly missed and forever lovingly remembered.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Sansone Funeral Home, 192 Wood Street, Bristol, RI.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Thursday, August 13. 2026, at 11:00 am at Blithewold Manor and Gardens, 101 Ferry Road, Bristol, RI.

Following services, an invitation will be extended to join the family for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at a location to be announced.

Burial will be private in North Burial Ground, Bristol, RI.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Gayl's memory may be made to the Bristol Fourth of July Committee, P.O. Box 561, Bristol, RI 02809 or to Foster Hospital at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Rd., Grafton, MA 01536.

For additional information or to send the family a written expression of sympathy, please visit an online guest book at www.sansonefuneralhome.com.