March 3, 2010 marked the passing of our beloved mother and dear friend Gail Bernice Maley. She was born Gail Bernice Lawson on December 4th, 1925 in Evanston Illinois to Raymond and Helen Lawson.
 
Gail is survived by her brother (Ray Lawson Jr.), her four children (Cathy Lowery, Karen Sargent, Larry Maley and Chris Maley), ten grandchildren and six great granddaughters. She was preceded in death by her husband Jay in 2002 and her sister Doris in 1992.

Gail grew up in Evanston and as a girl she enjoyed sailing on Lake Michigan as a member of the Sea Scouts and was an accomplished flutist. Enough so that even though times were tight, her parents bought her an expensive flute and professional lessons. In the summers she would take the train to Croton, Michigan to visit her grandparents on their family homestead.

After working at various jobs in Evanston she completed nursing training and became a registered nurse. She heard on the radio that nurses were needed in Alaska, so with a friend she hopped a train across the country to Seattle and took a steam boat to Sitka. She quickly found work at the Indian Health service and the Sitka Community Hospital. Whenever she was not working her and her friends did extensive hiking and camping in the area. She climbed every mountain in Sitka, including the local volcano!

She met the love of her life, Jay Maley at a local dance and in 1949, they were married. They lived all over Alaska; Sitka, Ketchikan, the Aleutian Islands and Kotzebue. They had many fond memories of the adventures they had in Alaska. Because Jay was in the service they continued traveling to Puget Sound, back to Croton and then on to Europe, living in Germany and Spain over a period of three years. They eventually settled down in Michigan and continued to raise their four children.

Gail brought the same compassion and commitment to her nursing career as she did to raising her children. She also found time for artistic pursuits and enjoyed stained glass, sewing and quilting. There isn’t a family member or close friend that doesn’t have one of her beautiful quilts. She gave many of her creations away for charitable purposes and won awards at the Allegan County fair for her work.

Gail maintained great health right up to the end. She loved the outdoors and was very active. Just last September, at 83, she was still looking for adventures. During our family reunion she hopped in a solo kayak and went on a several hour voyage. We should be so lucky. We bid you safe passage.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM from the McKinley Funeral Home, Newaygo on Monday, March 8, 2010 with Pastor Ruth McCarty officiating. Visitation will be held 2-4 & 6-8 PM Sunday March 7, 2010 at the funeral home.  For memorials please consider Hospice Of Michigan, Newaygo County.

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From: Alice
Sent: Tuesday, May 11, 2010 7:10 PM
Subject:  Condolences for Gail Maley

 

Chris and Family,

 

I am so sorry for your loss.  Your Mom is in a much better place and is once again hiking and climbing mountains.

 

May you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

May all of your memories of your mother,   stay with you and make life

Pass with a smile instead of a tear.

 

May God Bless in your time of sorrow

 

Alice Comai

From: Fillene Bays
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2010 9:53 PM
Subject: Condolences for Gail Maley

My mother found out about aunt Gail today while searching the Internet.  We are very sad to hear, but it sounds like she had quite a wonderful full life with many loved ones.  I wish I had gotten the chance to really know her.

My thoughts are with.

Fillene

 Sent from my iPhone