Milks, Gail

Although Gail Milks passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 27, 2023, her soul will continue living on through her adoring family and friends. Gail was a caring and loveable woman who, throughout her lifetime she devoted herself to religion and the people around her.  She was born to John and Deline Milks (both predeceased) on January 29, 1949, in Sudbury, Ontario. She was the middle child amongst five children; Clare (predeceased), Jack (predeceased), Shirley and Glen (predeceased). She shared a special bond with her loving sister Shirley; they spent countless hours on the telephone with their daily chats and she admired having Shirley sing “You Are My Sunshine”. Gail was an incredibly proud mother of her four children, Bev Shea (Pierre), Jennifer Theriault (Mitch), Marlene Ducharme (Paul) and Darren Ducharme (Kayla). Not only was Bev her first born, but she was also her rock, inspiration, and safety. Jennifer was her source of support, trust, and care. Marlene shared a relationship of affection, quality time and patience. Her only son and youngest child, Darren, was her biggest fan and continual support. To see her children through her eyes, was to see perfection. Anyone that knew Gail, also knew that her children were the light of her life and a constant source of love, joy, and gratitude.  As much as Gail admired being a mother, she was equally proud of her role as Grandma/Nana to Vanessa (Ryan), Tanya (Kevin), Tamara, Codie, Julianna, Dylan, and Dawson. She was also very proud to be a Great Grandma to Norah and Lydia. Gail loved to be involved in the lives of her grandchildren and was steady in her love, humour, generosity, and willingness to listen.  Gail loved nothing more than to be in the presence of her friends and family. When she wasn’t with those she loved, she was often calling them to chat and simply hear their voice. Gail was also fond of playing Bingo and friendly matches of Nickels; she enjoyed the company the most. Gail had a few favourite treats, and it was easy to please her by surprising her with Werther’s candies, Bubble-gum or Tim Hortons’ breakfast sandwiches. Gail was a friendly woman who was never shy to strike up a conversation, listen to your story and make you feel important. She had a truly compassionate heart; she saw the best in people, and she prayed every night for the those in her life. Gail was genuine, she was silly, she was thoughtful, and she brought love and light to our lives. The family and loved ones of Gail send sincere gratitude to the kind staff at St. Gabriel’s Villa for their devoted care and compassion. Gail often expressed her happiness and comfort in living at St. Gabe’s and always made a point to share that she was well cared for and truly felt at home. Donations in Gail’s memory can be made directly to the Kidney Foundation https://kidney.ca/.

“We think about you always,

We talk about you still,

You have never been forgotten,

And you never will.

We hold you close within our hearts,

And there you will remain,

To walk and guide us through our lives,

Until we meet again.”

“Peace, I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do no let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

-              John 14:27