A proud graduate of her hometown Omaha Technical High School, c/o '52, the newlywed Mrs. Brown migrated east with her serviceman husband George 2 years later. After living for a time in his hometown of Ansonia and New Haven, the couple eventually settled in Hamden.

Always a trailblazer, Gail was one of the first African-Americans to be employed by SNET. Following the birth of her beloved children, she worked for many years as an Administrative Assistant in the Hamden public school system. Civic-minded, she was an active member of the PTA. Never one to shrink from injustice, Mrs. Brown was a vocal advocate for at-risk and challenged students.

Gail had many varied interests, from fishing to homemaking. There wasn't a season, holiday, theme or occasion for which she didn't have a place-setting at the ready. She was a music lover, and avid reader. She also was a voracious jigsaw and crossword puzzler. And she enjoyed watching/coaching her beloved Yankees, and spared no criticism!

At the time of her retirement in the early 2000s Mrs. Brown had become a valued legal secretary at a prominent New England law firm. Gail was predeceased by 14 siblings. She is survived by her sister Gwendolyn (Pat) Pinckney of Chicago. Also left to cherish her memory are her children Deborah (Debby) Brown of Hamden, with whom she resided, and George (Niel) Brown, and his fiance, Caroline (Anita) Lewis, of East Hartford.

The family will celebrate Gail's life in a small, private ceremony, and wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at Connecticut Hospice in Branford for their boundless kindness and compassion. God bless you all.