The family and friends of The Reverend Gail Marguerite Clifton are deeply saddened to announce her sudden passing on December 27, 2023, at TBRHSC. Gail was born April 16, 1944, in Kenora Ontario, the only of child of Doris and Henry Clifton.
Gail is survived by, and will be deeply missed by her wife Gail Pell, her sister-in-law Janet Brunelle, and her goddaughter Maureen (Ross) Abbott. Gail was predeceased by her parents, her brother-in-law Ken Brunelle, and will have been met at the Rainbow Bridge by many fur-babies that she loved and cared for throughout her life.
In her youth Gail enjoyed many sports, graduating from Lakewood High School in Kenora, Ontario. She was raised in the Anglican Church, and her faith was steadfast and deep. She was deeply involved in the life of every parish she attended. With her beautiful alto voice, she enjoyed participating in many church choirs over the years, as well as the G Clef Choir in Kenora and the Thunder Bay Community Choir.
As an adult, Gail loved learning and pursued ongoing formal education. She held Honours degrees in Sociology and Political Science (1973) and Bachelor of Social Work (1984) from Lakehead University, Honours Master of Divinity (1995) from Trinity College at the University of Toronto, and obtained her qualifications as a Specialist in Institutional Ministry with CAPPE. Gail worked as a Probation Officer in Kenora until she moved to Thunder Bay in 1988. She truly found her greatest calling in her connections to the church. In 1975 she was the first female lay reader in the Diocese of Keewatin, and while working as a Lay Chaplain in Nelson B.C. was ordained as an Anglican priest in 2000. After ordination, Gail served as an honorary assistant to the priest at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, Nelson, B.C. Returning to Ontario, she was employed as a chaplain at the Thunder Bay Regional Cancer Care Centre and served as an honorary assistant to the priest at St. John’s Anglican Church, and at Gathering Table in Thunder Bay until her passing.
Gail had a strong social conscience and believed in sharing her time and resources to support non-profit causes, especially those serving local initiatives and protecting animals.
We want to thank everyone who supported us at this difficult time, including all her caregivers.
Funeral Service will take place at Gathering Table, 228 Pearl Street Thunder Bay, on Friday, January 19 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, if you so choose donations to Gathering Table, or any charity of your choice in memory of Gail would be appreciated. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
