Obituary for Gail Thorne Leander

"The past few days my mom and I have been reminiscing, looking at pictures, while realization hits hard that life is not a dress rehearsal. We have 1 shot at this thing called life. The passing of family reminds us of the realization we can never take anything for granted. When it is a young person its hard to come to grips with the promise unrealized. When older, its the no less sad, and represents the passing of an era and values of a generation that in many ways are slipping away for eternity. Gail was of a generation that instilled a level of kindness and generosity of means and heart to all those who entered her life. Gail, like her husband Wayne - a beacon of light to all who knew her. I recall so, so many great times at the Rockland house - as Michael MacLean stated here, you were made to feel so welcome. There was no limit to the warmth, kindness, and love shown neighbors, friends, and especially family. Gail lives on in all whose lives she touched - through multiple generations. Each of us can take something from her example - such a kind and generous heart, values instilled, and a joy of life. As I scroll through text and chat messages, thankfully on my phone, I came across something - she told me once that I "had a ton of courage" - lets put that in perspective. To face that final frontier for eternity after a struggle of sufferring takes a courage I cannot even imagine. And the love and courage of her family through this is just as unimaginable. I wasn't there at the end, but even in her final days, she set the real example of just what "courage" is all about. Gail lives on thru her legacy of many lives she has touched and grace and love she so generously showed. Don't be sad becuse her life has ended, be happy she lived. I will mourn her passing now, but celebrate her life for the rest of mine. In later years I so regret we never had that lunch and time together we planned. A devastating loss. I am so, so sorry."

"Sorry for your loss. I liked Gail. World is less without her."

"So very sorry for your loss"

"Wayne and the Leander family, I am so sorry for your loss. I know she was the strong thread in your family. Hugs and love. With deepest sympathy, Love, Sandy Dodier"

"Paul, Wayne and Big Wayne that was great tribute to Gail. She loved you Wayne, boys and her grandchildren. She fought the good fight against cancer. Hang in there cousins and I'm here for you and the family."

"To Wayne, Waynie, Paul , I am so sorry for your loss . I loved Gail, she was always so nice to me.. I am so happy I got to see her out here for Paul's wedding , that was special.. I have such good memories of coming over to the Rockland house with Brucie.. I always felt so welcome, she was always so warm and caring.. I am thinking of all you guys during this difficult time,, I am very sorry for your loss, God Bless you all.."