Our dear Gail,
Only a month ago we met in Tel Aviv. You and Avi invited us to dinner at your favorite restaurant. As we parted, we said: “Our next meeting will be at Dana’s wedding”, and added, as we always do before happy occasions: “Enjoy the preparations.”
And now, instead of meeting you in joy, we meet here – in the cemetery – and you lie before us. You are no longer with us.
Terrible. What a world. What a fate. Our hearts ache, and the question echoes within us: Why did this have to happen to you?
We first met Gail on the day of her wedding to Avi, our cousin. It was more than 40 years ago. We met a sweet, young American woman who had decided to make Aliyah – on her own – out of a sincere desire to integrate into the country, its culture, and to build her home here. For many, the phrase “to make Aliyah” is just a slogan, but for Gail it was a living truth – fully realized, as we witnessed over the years.
We quickly came to know Gail as a woman of values: hardworking, talented, friendly, and above all – deeply devoted to her family. We were so happy when she became part of ours.
Her sense of family was especially striking – invitations to holiday meals, genuine interest and care, willingness to help with anything, and opening her home, together with Avi, during the difficult days of war.
In time we learned that they even welcomed complete strangers into their home simply because those people needed shelter.
But Gail excelled not only as a family woman – she was also a remarkable friend.
With her wide-open heart, Gail quickly formed friendships, nurtured them, and surrounded herself with a large and loving circle of people.
When she began practicing quilting, her artistic passion, her creativity and love for the craft became clear. Her works were displayed in exhibitions and won awards – but perhaps even more importantly, through this artistic work she cultivated deep bonds between the women she created with. For Gail, it was never just a craft – it was a mission of bringing people together.
To us, Gail was a true woman of valor.
People loved her – and rightfully so.
To Avi, Talia, Dana, Yonatan, to her sister Janice, and to all the family in Oklahoma, throughout the United States and Australia – may you find strength to keep going despite the immense pain.
And we will not say only “We will always remember her.”
We say: Gail will always be with us.
Sharing in your profound sorrow.