Owen, Gail Starr

Gail was in the company of her loving husband Robert Owen, her son Michael Owen, and her grandson Alessandro Owen when she passed away.  Gail fought a very brave battle for many years dealing with MS & Parkinson’s disease.  She never gave up the fight until the very end. Gail’s strong nature was to always keep doing her best.  Even in hard times Gail always maintained a kind heart and she always had something pleasant or wise to say. She would always tell people to forgive and help others when they needed help.  She was a sweet caring soul that would do anything for anyone even if it meant she sacrificed for others.

Born on January 1st, 1954 Gail Owen grew up in Scarborough to her loving parents Evelyn & Michael Coolidge. Raised with strong family values, it was important to Gail for the family to gather regularly for events and to cook together. Gail Owen’s early life was filled with love and joy.  It was filled with laughter and good will.   She was given the nickname buttons in her early life which carried on for years. Gail enjoyed playing jokes and pranks on family and friends, even if it meant a surprise water hose attack during summer months.   She also spent time growing up in Meaford, Ontario right on Georgian Bay. She loved the water and swimming along with beach fires with friends and family. Gail also enjoyed cars, in her youth even beating some of the guys on the road. She had a passion for anything from the UK and watching Coronation Street, which also includes traditional English recipes including her amazing baking skills. She also cherished memories with her husband and family going on road trips and shopping. Her sweet soul was enduring to no end, and she would insist on helping people who needed help. Gail also loved her neighbors and close friends and shared good times on Georgian Beach, the water she loved so much.

Gail met Robert Owen in her earlier year’s growing up in Scarborough and in time dating she soon married an Etobicoke gentleman named Robert Owen on April 21st 1972. They spent 50 wonderful years together creating a family and beautiful memories. During her life Gail worked in many jobs such as Security and Loss prevention.  She also worked at Canada Post and was respected by her peers.

Gail was most proud of her grandson Alessandro Owen and her eyes would light up every time he came over to the family home.  She would spend many hours talking to her grandson and sharing belly laughs.   To Gail, it was about the experiences and time spent together as a family which meant the most to her, even if it was as simple as getting ice cream.  It didn’t need to be elaborate. She loved watching movies with family or going to the drive-in.   Listening to music was something she enjoyed greatly. Gail also had a compassion for all animals but especially dogs and parrots.

She always said “never hate anyone even if they do you wrong because hate is a strong word, and always remember to forgive and to make things right” Gail also reminded us all of the importance of understanding and love.   Her personality was always bright and resilient.  You could always see in her eyes how much she loved life.

Robert Owen “Gail you were the greatest thing that ever happened in my life.  I will love you forever and never forget you.  You brought me joy and happiness.  Thank you for the wonderful sunshine in my life and all our time together on this earth.”

Celebration of life at a later date. If so desired, donations to the MS Society or Parkinson’s of Canada can be made through Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON   N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted.   www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca

‘God, you have blessed us with an angel. You have blessed us, and given us time with a beautiful soul. You have let us walk this earth with Gail and allowed us to create precious memories.

God we thank you for the gift of Gail into our lives. God we thank you watching over her. Although you have decided that her work on this earth is done, we shall endure to celebrate her life and remember her in our hearts. We shall also never forget her wisdom and the lessons she gave us to show love and compassion. We ask for your protection not only for her, and to all our friends and family. We thank you God for the time you gave us with Gail Owen. Lord please allow your light to shine brightly in us all and guide us through this walk we call life.  AMEN’