With hearts breaking, we share the news of the death of Gail Elizabeth Clairmont, who left us on August 30, 2024, as a result of lung cancer. Gail was born on June 11, 1939, in Chicago, the middle child of John and Elizabeth Wheeler. By her own admission, she thought herself destined to become either a nun or a nurse. How grateful we are she chose the second path, graduating as a "diploma nurse" from St. Bernard's School of Nursing in 1960, then marrying Dick in 1961. That marriage, and deep love, was due to turn 63 in October of this year. Dick and Gail nurtured a family that includes daughters Julie Donovan (Tom), Lisa Greseth (Tim), Beth Clairmont (Les) and son John, Clairmont (Lisa). Half-daughter Bonnie Brookhart (Todd) added more love to the family. Grandchildren and great grandchildren loved dearly by Gail include Christopher, Emily, Elizabeth, Sarah, Connor, Katie, Milo, Cade, Megan, Lauren, Carolyn, Dash, Oliver, Levi, and Margot. Gail was predeceased by her brother, John, and sister, Susan.

From 1961 on, Gail served as a nurse in the Chicago area, Billings, Montana, and Vancouver, Washington, retiring in 2004. She was a volunteer her whole life in a variety of settings, including Reach Out, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Hospice, Evergreen AIDS Response, Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Meals on Wheels, School Backpack Program, Lunch Buddies, and Neighbors on Watch (Sheriff's Auxiliary).

As a wife, a mother, a friend, and a lifelong nurse, Gail believed that every human was deserving of care and of love - to be seen and known. She asked after everyone, and lit candles daily as a prayer for those she knew who were suffering or needed sense (her particular version). After Dick became blind in 2020, for safety reasons, she switched from real candles to battery-lit, but she never missed a day. Her caring soul was matched only by her fierce and irreverent spirit. When it came to her family and close friends - she was sure to say exactly what each person needed to know and do - and how soon that needed to happen, most often starting with the word, "now." She interrogated every suitor of her children and grandchildren and would use words of mock violence to ensure they knew they would be watched and must meet her standard of love for her people. She laughed often and deeply, celebrated every possible thing, and gave the best hugs.

We have been so well-loved by her, we loved her so much, and we are lost without her. In her honor, we ask that you light a candle for someone who needs your care - we'll multiply the light she shared with the world for her 85 still-too-short years.

We will celebrate Gail's life on Friday, September 20, 5:00 PM, in the chapel at the Academy followed by a reception at the same location (400 East Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA). All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to HOPE Dementia Support (hopedementiasupport.org) or Share Vancouver (sharevancouver.or g).