It is hard to fathom life without beloved and vivacious Gail Moreland, who died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Oct. 6, 2020, at the age of 85. Gail passed after a valiant struggle with lymphoma, rightly satisfied with her life’s work and legacy of love. She was so positive and busy, no one could guess the severity of her illness until her final days.
Gail was born on Sept. 27, 1935, in Newton, MA. She grew up in Fairhaven, NJ, spending carefree summers on the beaches of Cape Cod with her grandparents and family throughout her life. Gail attended both Monmouth College, and Douglas College, NJ, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Marriage and family came in her 20s when she fell for her best friend Lucy’s older brother, Wallace, just back from an army posting in Berlin. Wally’s career took Gail and their three children from Baltimore, MD to Simsbury, CT, and finally to Manlius in 1969. With her kids all of school age, Gail hit the books again herself in her 30s, earning a master’s degree in education at SUNY Cortland.
Gail loved her career, and was an excellent and caring teacher. She started at Pleasant Street and Mott Road, before settling into the Fayetteville-Manlius School District’s Eagle Hill Elementary and Middle Schools.
It is no exaggeration to say that everyone Gail met became a friend. New friends kept coming all through her life, and loving bonds with old friends strengthened, creating an impressive and eclectic community that she hopes will thrive beyond her passing. While engaging in lively discussions with those gathered in her kitchen, Gail would effortlessly put together a gourmet meal. Her hands flew; food appeared as if from nowhere for expected and unexpected guests.
The annual Christmas Eve party at the Moreland’s was unforgettable, as were the graduation parties, deck barbecues, constant impromptu gatherings, and watching the changing seasons and double rainbows through Gail and Wally’s big picture window overlooking the hills of Pompey. The house was filled with fun, good conversation, laughter and memories.
Gail was a world traveler who liked to go “off the beaten path.” She took her children on a month-long adventure camping though the Gaspe Peninsula. She went to Tibet, China, Trans-Siberian Railroad to Russia, Greece, then on to Alaska, down the Nile in Egypt, France, Italy, Spain, England and Ireland. Outward Bound and scuba diving also came into play.
Gail’s love of travel and adventurous spirt inspired her children to take chances, try new things, meet new people, and experience all life has to offer.
Wondering. Learning. Doing, and having fun doing it. Bringing people along, and bringing them together. The long list of clubs Gail was a part of included Women of Willow Bank (WOW,) the Slippery Rock “Rockettes,” Masters in Motion Ski Club, Investment Club, Book Club and the Home Garden Club, while also making time for French classes.
Deeply committed to her community, Gail participated in the ABC program (A Better Chance); Salt City Playhouse, and was past president of her continuing labor of love, the Town of Pompey Historical Society.
Gail will be greatly missed by her beloved children, Leslie and husband Craig Panaccione of Cape Cod, Gwen and partner Tom Corrigan of VT, and Jonathan and wife Beatrice along with adored granddaughters Anne-Gail and Juliette Moreland of New York City; matriarch aunt, Joanne (Crosby) Arnold; loving sister, Lee Brown; sisters-in-law, Lucy (Moreland) Wistreich and Sandy (Stedman) Moreland, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Gail was pre-deceased by her husband Wallace of 55 years; her parents, Marion (Crosby) Gilbert and Stanley Gilbert; and her brother, Jeffery Gilbert.
The family is forever grateful to the dedicated and compassionate staff on the 3-2 floor and the ICU at St. Joseph’s Hospital, and the wonderful treatment team at Hematology Oncology Associates out of Brittonfield.
Gail’s family is thankful for the outpouring of loving support at this sad time. Because of COVID-19, however, there will be no calling hours or service right away. We will celebration Gail’s life when life allows. Everyone stay healthy and safe. Word will go out when a memorial service for Gail is determined, hopefully in Spring 2021.
In lieu of flowers, Gail asked that memorial donations be made to the “Town of Pompey Historical Society,” and mailed to: 8354 US. Rt. 20, Manlius, NY 13104. Donations of time are also greatly valued; call Anne Shelly at 315-682-4461 to get involved with this great local treasure!
In typical fashion, Gail was joyously swimming in Skaneateles Lake with family and friends on yet another glorious, sunny day in her life just days before leaving home for the last time. Climbing the ladder to the dock, she dried off with the rays sparkling through her wine glass and her blue, blue eyes.
For a guest book, please visit scheppfamily.com.
