Gayle Affinito, 66

Gayle Lynne Affinito (nee Burton), 66, of Oak Park, died on March 5, 2013. She had a successful career as a finance and credit manager for Peterbilt-Kenworth, Navistar, and HSBC. She also worked in Forest Park at Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home. Her daughter, Victoria, thanked her mother for, "showing me the finer things in life and for teaching me humbleness; for teaching me to love animals and to be kind to people." Victoria also remembered special care taken at Christmases and "making every holiday so very special." She added, "Thank you for working so hard for us, showing us how to fight for what's right, never giving up and for being my rock. Thank you for always being there and making me who I am. You are in our hearts forever."

Gayle Affinito is survived by her daughter, Victoria Lynne Affinito; her brother, Warren Burton; her grandchildren, Dina, Bella, and Jasmine; her many cousins, including Kate Bassie and Maureen Poniatowski who lit up her life in the last days; and her friends, Kathy "Rafter" Joyce, Annie Jackson, and Pat Martina among many others. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorraine Burton (nee Stryska) and Donald Burton.

A memorial service and inurnment will be held at Bohemian National Cemetery Chapel, 5255 N. Pulaski Road in Chicago on Friday, March 22, at 11:30 a.m. A celebration of life will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Chicago Anticruelty Society at www.anticruelty.org. Arrangements were handled by Zimmerman-Harnett Funeral Home, www.zimmermanharnett.com.