Rayna Marie Gangi, PhD, born in Jamestown, New York, and longtime resident of Daphne, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022, at the age of 72. Preceding her in death are her parents, Alfred Gangi and Ruby Ball Gangi.

Rayna was a veteran of the US Marine Corps serving from 1968 until 1971. She loved her country and even as a civilian, she was a resilient defender of righteousness and freedom until the day she died. She served the needs and struggles of women, the deaf community and embraced the needs of many children with support and counsel.

Rayna was a medical intuit, massage therapist, reflexologist, holistic health consultant and instructor, minister and spiritual health counselor. She also served as a hot line suicide counselor for the last 12 years serving veterans and children. She never stopped caring for others even when her physical body was unable.

She never tired of learning. Rayna earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies and Communications, graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Buffalo, NY and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her Doctorate in Philosophy is from the University of Arizona. Rayna also earned Certification in Earth Medicine from the Seneca Institute of Earth Medicine and was a Keynote Speaker for the First Lady’s Health Forum in Nevada as well as the Tribal Council on Earth Medicine in New York. She was a consultant for ASK-WOMEN and the Women Studies Program at SUNY Buffalo State College and a Certified National Trainer for Education Empowerment.

Among her many notable achievements and accolades, Rayna was awarded VIP Woman of the Year by the National Association of Professional Women, Who’s Who of American Women, 2000 Most Notable Women of America, International Book of Honor, The Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement, Community Leader of America and Who’s Who of Finance and Industry.

She was a financial planner with IDS Financial services, Freedom Equity Group, Pinnacle Tax and AMEX as well as president of RMG Financial Services. in Buffalo, NY.  She was also accomplished in technology working as an IBM Computer Professional Customer Engineer, Vice president of data communications for Clarity Research, Inc. and site engineer for Timeplex, Inc. She was the owner of Earthwalk-USA Center, which was awarded Best of Daphne in 2012, providing holistic health education focusing on natural and spiritual rehabilitation.

Rayna was also a prolific writer, authoring over thirty-five book titles focusing on Native Americans, children, relationships, health, and the America she so loved. She was privileged to have the only book signing that ever took place in the Stardust Lobby in Las Vegas, NV. She also authored hundreds of informational podcasts that can be heard on Audible.

Rayna is survived by her best friend and business partner for over twenty-five years, Laurie Azzarella of Daphne, AL and many, many friends, and colleagues.

Rayna always said, “Love is my religion, Earth is my church and Truth is my Road.”

 A celebration of Rayna’s life will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, from 11:00am – 2:00pm with Memorial Service at 12:00 noon at 28347 Turkey Branch Dr., Daphne, AL, 36526. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Rayna’s honor may be made to any veteran’s organization of your choice.

For those of you who cannot physically attend, join us on Zoom:

Topic: Rayna’s Memorial Service

Time: Dec 17, 2022 12:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 306 844 7253

Passcode: ReflexOil

Expressions of condolence may be offered at www.hughesfh.com.

Arrangements are by Hughes Funeral Home & Crematory, 26209 Pollard Rd, Daphne, AL, 36526.