Gail L. (Chapler) Paynter, 83, of Newtown died at the Regional Hospice Center on June 29, after a long battle with cancer.www.danburymemorial.com.

She was born in Portland Ore., on October 5, 1932, where she lived until she attended Northwestern University in Chicago. It was there she graduated with a master's degree from the School of Speech.

Mrs Paynter married Navy pilot David Paynter, and had three children. She later moved to Connecticut where she taught speech arts at Danbury High School for 27 years. She wrote and produced children's theater plays for her high school students to perform at all the area elementary schools. She also produced the high school musicals and directed several plays at the Town Players of Newtown.

Mrs Paynter had an enthusiastic finger in many pies. She spent 30 years painting and exhibiting her artwork. After retirement, she abandoned painting to take up playing Bach on the piano.

She was an avid gardener, devoted golfer, cross country skier, and after her retirement was a world traveler, enjoying many journeys with her best friend Larry Stewart. It was a rich life full of adventure and excitement.

Her three children and their spouses, Dan and Janice Paynter of Newtown, Lynne and Sandy Vongries of Musselshell, Mont., and Sue and Craig Spencer of Mount Vernon, Wash.; along with seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren, survive her. Her husband predeceased Mrs Paynter.

Family and friends are welcome to celebrate Mrs Paynter's life on July 7 at the Meeting House Pub at 37 Stony Hill Road in Bethel from 5:30 to 7 pm (entrance in back).

Memorial donations may be made to the Regional Hospice & Home Care Center at 30 Milestone Road, Danbury CT 06810. To light a candle or send a condolence, visit