Gail E. Gill

Rochester, NY:  Gail E. Gill passed away at Unity Hospital on Saturday, April 18 with family by her side.

Born in 1937 to the late John and Marian Harper, she was the first of two girls, with her lifelong friend and devoted sister Marilyn “Midge” being born some years later.

Gail recounted many wonderful events from her childhood with her fondest times being family gatherings with extended family including many special aunts and cousins.

From a young age, Gail enjoyed reading and was an avid reader into her 80’s.  She graduated with honors from West High School in 1955 and went on to study Elementary Education at Brockport State University, graduating in just 3 years. She went on to teach elementary school in Syracuse and then closer to home at the Florence Brasser School in Gates-Chili.

In 1959, she met and married her husband of 60 years, Ken Gill.  Gail eventually became a stay-at-home mom and together they raised four children: Gary, Mark, Bret and Gaye.

The family shares many wonderful memories of these years together including mom’s delicious cooking, family camping vacations and neighborhood get-togethers.

During her stay-at-home years, Gail was involved in her children’s schooling and the community by serving on the Hilton School Board and Hilton Sports Boosters. She also was an active member at Lakeview Community Church for over 40 years, during which time she served as a Sunday School teacher, member of consistory and by singing in the choir.

Gail eventually returned to teaching and then later became a successful realtor for Century 21 until her retirement in 2002.

Gail especially enjoyed cooking, reading, entertaining, traveling, planning family reunions, hosting family holiday events, playing cards, neighborhood breakfasts, making friends and giving advice.

Her greatest joy, however, came with the birth of each new grandchild.  She was blessed to have 8 and was thrilled when 3 additional step grandchildren joined our family in 2016! Her grandchildren recount fun times and memories with grandma which included family holidays and parties, singing on car rides, grandma’s funny quirky sayings, camping trips and special meals, singing birthday messages, her encouraging words and praise, and her delicious meals which included her macaroni salad, macaroni and cheese, juicy hamburgers and family favorite spaghetti sauce.

Gail met and made many dear friends along her life’s path.  Even as her health declined, she was able to touch the hearts of her caregivers, aides and hospital staff.  Always quick with a smile and having a genuine care about others’ lives and families, she will be greatly missed for her warmth and kindness.

Gail is survived by her loving husband Kenneth Gill; children Gary (Arezou) Gill, Mark (Debbie) Gill, Bret Gill, Gaye (Stewart) Paloma-Knott; beloved grandchildren Andrew, Kenny, Jonathan, Ryan, Rani,  Kennedy Gill, Grace and Tyler Paloma and Carson, Halle and Kendall Knott; sister Marilyn (Ted) Karlof; and many additional family and friends.

The family would like to thank everyone for the messages of support and love during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Lakeview Community Church, 30 Long Pond Road Rochester, NY  14612

A memorial service in her honor will be held at a later time.  Please contact us at gailmemorial2020@gmail.com to be notified of those arrangements.