7/22/1974 - 1/23/2021
EULOGY
When we think about Gail, there is one word that immediately comes to mind and that is 'strength'. A strength of character that forged a great career, lasting friendships, and a full life. Gail was a dedicated and hard working person, and the proof of that is the respect and friendship of her colleagues. But as with any job, it requires a strong support network and I would like to thank her coworkers, such as Will and Cliodna, for providing Gail such support.
As such a sincere and genuine person, she developed many friendships. Whether it was playing her favorite online games, discussing her favorite TV shows or books, or simply spending time with her friends. She brought so much joy to those around her. And in turn, her friends brought Gail great joy. I am pretty sure Gail and Ryan rewrote a much improved plot of season 8 of Game of Thrones, but of course none of it was ever written down. I always found those puzzle rooms to be thoroughly enjoyable with Gail as I could just sit back and let her solve them as I provided moral support. Many might trivialize online friendships, but I have seen Gail's grow over more than 15 years, until those friends become true family. Among others, I'd like to thank Pauly and especially Uriel and Renee for being enduring and the closest of friends; she was one of the God Parents to their new baby; she loved Rocky! Other extended family include the Lukans, especial John and Lisa who were her childhood friends that she got to see each year when her family vacationed at the Lukan’s family farm during the summer and her dear friend Maria, her next door neighbor who grew up with her from when they were kids and were as close today as they were back then. Simple walks with Maria brought a smile to her face.
For those who did not know, Gail's life was not without challenge. She had a kidney transplant in her teens and every moment since has been filled with courage and determination. She exceeded all of her doctors' expectations with the close support of her father, Walter, who passed a few years ago and her mother, Joan, who is here with us today. But again, most of the credit goes to Gail herself for leading such a complete life through challenges that would make most of us crumble.
Finally, her and I shared so many of her favorite interests in common; she was my partner in all things. I have to admit she took care of me more than I took care of her. She was my purchasing department, my travel agency, my restaurant advisor, my tech support and most importantly, my best friend, all delivered with a patience that I may not sometimes have deserved. Right from the beginning, she was so incredibly smart and would do things so quickly, I would struggle to keep up. I used to say Settle Down, SpeedRacer, and quickly over time that got shortened to Speed! She was such a brilliantly beautiful light in this world. I speak for all of us when I say I will miss her laugh, her smile, her excitement, wonder and joy. I will miss Gail very much, forever. I Love You Speedy!
James
VISITATION
Wednesday, January 27
4:00 - 8:00 PM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
FUNERAL SERVICE
Wednesday, January 27
8:00 PM New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
FUNERAL
Thursday, January 28
10:00 AM
New Hyde Park Funeral Home
506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY
INTERMENT
Pending
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s name would be appreciated to:
American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852
OR
PDK Foundation
1001 E. 101st Terrace, Suite 220, Kansas City MO, 64131