Dec. 9, 1933 – Jan. 23, 2024

Gail was born in New York, the sixth child of Frances Henry Graham. There is an 18-year span between the oldest and Gail.

Gail lived in Woodmere, Long Island, New York until the age of 10. In 1943, she and her mother and brother Howard moved to El Monte. Her oldest sister Frances Downing and husband lived in Hawaii; sister Mary and family in Venice; sister Kitty Feather and husband in Santa Monica. Her sister Joan was engaged to be married and stayed in New York.

Gail graduated from El Monte Union High School in 1952. She then attended Mt. San Antonio Junior College and graduated with an AA degree. Upon completing that degree, she entered the Bishop College of Nursing at the Hospital of the Good Samaritan in Los Angeles. This was a three-year nursing educational program with affiliation with Cal State University. Therefore, she graduated with a BA in nursing.

Gail entered the job market while in high school making 35 cents an hour at a 5 and 10 Cent store. She worked her way through college at Currie’s Ice Cream stores. She was made assistant manager shortly after being employed and held that position until she entered nursing training. Yes, she made those mile-high ice cream cones!

Upon graduating from Bishop Johnson College of Nursing, she stayed and worked at “Good Sam” hospital for three years.

Gail met Dick at Lake Avenue Congregational Church in Pasadena in 1959. They were married on June 18, 1960. After a honeymoon in the northwest, they settled in La Crescenta. Dick was teaching at Lincoln Elementary School here in La Crescenta. Gail continued to work at Good Sam for three years. Her professional career was interrupted by the birth of their first son Daniel Scott in 1963. This was followed by the birth of Robert Bruce in 1965.

Dick had been attending First Baptist Church for many years, so shortly after getting settled they became members. Through the years Gail served in many areas: choir and on Women’s Missionary Fellowship, both on the board and as a member of a circle deacon, offering counter and chairman of Primetimers, planning the monthly luncheons and day trips. She also was an active member of the PTA at Monte Vista Elementary School and PTA president for two years.

Gail reentered the work force as the boys grew up and worked at Verdugo Hills Hospital a total of 38 years in many positions: relief evening charge nurse, relief evening nursing supervisor, day relief nursing supervisor and the last 12 years as a discharge coordinator.

As a teenager Gail accepted Christ as her savior and her prayer each morning was that she might say something or do something to show others His love.

Her celebration of life will be held at Highlands Church La Crescenta, 4441 La Crescenta Ave. in La Crescenta on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m.