My condolences to Gail's family and friends for their loss. Gail and I are sorority sisters in Sigma Sigma Sigma. I met Gail at a Tri Sigma - Seattle Alumnae Chapter event. We would carpool together from Olympia/Tacoma to our Alumnae events. I love hearing about her early Seattle Alumnae memories. She would also share stories about her many years of traveling and involvement in education here and abroad. One thing that she loved sharing was her love and admiration for her granddaughter Jasmine. Gail was a genuinely amazing and caring woman. My heart goes out to you for your loss. I know how much she meant to you. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
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Gail was one of the wisest and most compassionate people I have ever known. She just knew so much about people, relationships, and life. When I arrived in Beijing to join the counseling department, she was a strong supporter and advisor, and soon grew to be a good friend. She could reach anyone at whatever life stage or personal challenge they had. That soft Kentucky accent belied a strong and fearless woman. But still, I was amazed to learn that at age 90, she was planning to live in Vienna with Jasmine and then go off to Montenegro on her own for 3 visa months. Talk about gutsy! I was excited to think we could meet again after 20 years when she and Jasmine planned a trip to Switzerland (where I was working) for 2020 Spring Break. COVID intervened, and we sadly never got to meet up again, nor did I get to meet Jasmine, whom I'd heard about for years. Gail loved all her family so much, I know all of you will miss her terribly. She brought joy, friendship, kindness, and wisdom to all whom she knew, and the world is less for her absence now. I'm sad that she has passed, and my sincere sympathy to all of you.
Beth Kramer, friend and colleague from our mutual Beijing days
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This is an embarrassing story, but it says a lot about who Gail was. She was living in the serviced apartments at the Intl School of Beijing, and one Friday in early 1998, she and her neighbor hosted a margarita TGIF party. One of our daughters, Hanna, was in a middle school play that evening, so although we lived an hour's drive from the school, I decided to stay for the TGIF, with a plan to watch the play and then drive home with Hanna. Hard to believe, but I was not experienced with margaritas, so after trying one - so smooth yet tangy! - I thought I'd have another. They go down so quickly and easily! Well, after a few more, I was weaving around and in poor shape. As the party wound down, Gail helped me walk over to the auditorium to watch the play (of which I have no memory) and meet up with Hanna. As the three of us left the auditorium, and both Gail and I realized I was not safe to drive, she invited me and Hanna to spend the night. Hanna got the sofa, and she was furious with me for not driving her home. Gail took matters into her hands and explained to Hanna that Mom was modeling the best way to act if you've had too much to drink, and if Hanna was ever in that situation, she should remember this and not drive. Gail also kindly noted that Mom has hardly ever done this, and it's not something to do often. So Gail, thank you for keeping me and Hanna safe that night, and for framing my mistake as a learning experience for both me and Hanna. To this day, Hanna and her husband take Ubers home from parties. And I have about 2 margaritas a year.
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1997, Khamba La Pass, Tibet
At 16,198 feet elevation, no wonder Gail was sitting down!
— with
Beth Kramer
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I am so grateful to have known Gail and called her my friend. She lived across the street from me in the Jubilee Retirement Community. Gail included me with celebrations at her home with her family and I always enjoyed meeting and spending time with them. I was part of the Vashon Vixens group of ladies that met monthly. We enjoyed many wonderful occasions together and she was loved by all. I enjoyed Gail's emails while living in Austria with Jasmine. I relocated to TN in 2021 and visited WA every year since. I am thankful to have visited Gail in August 2024 in her home. She lived such a full life and left an impact on everyone who knew her. My sincere condolences to each of Gail's family members.
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Gail was the school counselor at Sunset Elementary in Bellevue when I was teaching there. She was excellent at her job. After retirement, I visited her a few times at Judson Park. She was an enthusiastic person and a joy to know. She led such an interesting, adventurous life. I'm sure you will miss her greatly but I'm also sure you have wonderful memories of your time with her. Peace.
Judy Johnson
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Gail started a monthly Friday evening gathering for all the single women who lived on her street, Vashon Drive, in the Jubilee community of Lacey. She named it Vashon Vixens after the street and because of her family name, Fox. For more than 12 years, we single women gathered, sharing wine and appetizers. As some women moved away, others bought houses on the street and joined the party. Gail was the life of the party at every gathering.
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