Gail Haslip

HASLIP, GAIL -  What a hard thing it is to do to, saying goodbye to a person who has been such a vital part of our lives.  Gail had been battling dementia for so many years.  She put up such a fight.  She wasn’t ready to go!  But we’re glad that her suffering has ended, finally.

To say that Gail will be missed is the biggest of understatements.  Her husband of 56 years, Gerry, passed away in October of 2012.  She is also predeceased by one of her sisters, Diane.  Her remaining sisters are Carol Shaw who lives in Calgary and Dorothy Rudolph, who lives in Jackson, Michigan.

She leaves behind her eldest son, Terry, and his wife Carol, who live in Sarnia; her daughter, Lori, who also lives in Sarnia, and her youngest son, Rick and his wife Judy, who live in Wisconsin.

Gail loved to spend time with her grandkids, Stacy (Mike), Shawn (Maggie), Emily and Alexandra and great-grandkids, Makyla, Lexi, Amelia, Willow and Eleanor.

Gail also loved her career, which came later in her life.  Not exactly suffering from “empty nest syndrome”, she nevertheless knew that she had much to give.  She worked at the St. Clair Parkway Golf Course for many summers, running the pro shop.  She also loved to teach yoga.  But her biggest challenge and enjoyment came when she was hired at St. Joe’s as an Occupational Therapists’ assistant.  She constantly studied, even learning how to use a computer and by the time she was done, she was Director of Recreation.  She touched so many lives with her constant smile, encouraging words and tireless spirit. 

When Gail retired from St. Joe’s, she knew that she needed something to keep her busy.  She filled in for a maternity leave at Thomson Gardens which became a permanent position and never looked back.  She made life there so much more fun and fulfilling for the residents and made many new friends along the way.  They always knew when Gail was in the house because they could hear the rock and roll music blasting from her office!

Gail had many passions throughout her life, including golf, sewing, gardening and reading.  She was an accomplished artist and sold many of her oil paintings.  She loved to create…..anything from stained glass to patio stones. 

The most important thing she created was a network of family and friends who will love and miss her forever.

Gail’s family would like to thank the VON, and particularly, Elaine Walker.  Elaine was a constant presence in Gail’s life for the final few years.  She visited Gail, taking her for rides and allowing her to maintain her friendships “downriver”.  Gail’s family cannot praise Elaine highly enough.  She made Gail’s life immeasurably better at a time when she needed it the most.

If you would like to honor Gail’s life, please make a donation to your own favourite charity.

The immediate family will have a private service at Lakeview.  A celebration of Gail’s life will take place at the Best Western Guildwood Inn, 1400 Venetian Blvd., Point Edward, Ontario between the fours of 11:00 am until 3:00 pm. Arrangements have been entrusted to the D. J. Robb Funeral Home & Cremation Centre (102 N. Victoria St., Sarnia). Memories and messages of condolence may be shared through www.djrobb.on.ca