Gail Chassie

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With her 3 sons by her side, Gail Dorothy Chassie passed peacefully on February 17, 2023. She was 86 years old. “I’ve lived a good life” she said during her last day.

She was a curious, thoughtful, and reliable woman who enjoyed shopping, travelling, casinos (she was always a winner!), conversations with her girlfriends and hearing about the adventures of family and friends.

Gail was a lifelong resident of Kenora and grew up in Lakeside. She was the only daughter of 5 children born to her predeceased parents, Stanley Harold Sinclair and Mabel Christina Sinclair (nee Buchanan). She is predeceased by her 4 brothers Brian, Donald, Charles and Gary as well as her daughter-in-law Monique Daneault.

Gail’s beloved husband Emile of 63 years passed in October 2019 and she had spent everyday since missing him. It’s comforting to know they’re together again.

Left to cherish her memory are her 3 sons Victor (Louise), Larry (Doris) and David. Grandchildren Ahlea (Jason), Dylan (Nicole) and Jenna (Dave) Chassie; Eric (Phoenix) O'Neill, Marty Daneault and Joelène (Jeff) Hildebrandt and great-grandchildren Marshall, Jett, Ayla, Ava, Aries, Odin, Colin, Marco and Norah.

Gail was a homemaker and was kept very busy because she had 3 haywire sons to look after; “what have you boys done now!?”. She was so proud of them and enjoyed spending time with them as they did her. She loved to tell them jokes, however a 1-minute joke would take 5 minutes because she’d start laughing before the punchline, knowing what their reactions would be.

She was a devoted wife and mother. She and Emile maintained close relationships with their sons throughout their lives, taking numerous trips together or simply talking around the kitchen table. Their door was always open and she became known as ‘Mom’ or ‘Nan’ to many. She developed wonderful family-like neighbours on the West Highway over the years. The Jones’ brothers were always there to help and never said no; that meant a lot to her. Most of her friends have passed in recent years but she remained close with Shirley Alcock (Mom) and Judy Stonewood and treasured their friendship. A special thanks to her neighbor Doug LeBlanc who always made a thoughtful point of making sure her driveway was plowed in winter months.

Her grandchildren were her absolute pride and joy. ‘Nanny Gail’ was dedicated to them throughout their lives. As they grew older, she loved to know about all they were doing and when they began to have their own children, she delighted in hearing about the milestones and “mischief” her great-grandchildren were achieving. Her grandchildren will miss her unwavering presence.

Remaining sharp and aware despite losing most of her eyesight, it was important to her to remain up-to-date with local and world events. She loved reading and always had a book on the go. She had a special interest in the Royal family and was happy to share that she had watched all the televised Royal weddings since the Queen. She probably could have won Jeopardy if all categories were ‘Royal’.

Mom being Mom right to the end, told us 3 boys we were finally old enough to look after ourselves.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the 3rd floor nurses, especially palliative nurse Charlene, who were all so kind and compassionate. Also, thank you to Dr. Bowerman for his kindness and care over the years and Dr. Salter.

Per her wishes, there won’t be a formal service. In lieu of flowers, she would ask that you phone or visit with a friend.

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