Obituary of Gail Melanson

August 16, 1944 – Vancouver, British Columbia

August 27, 2021 – Truro, Nova Scotia

Gail Patricia Melanson (nee Miller) passed away peacefully with her children at her side, from complications of a chronic respiratory condition on Friday, August 27, 2021 while visiting family and friends in Truro, Nova Scotia.

Gail was survived by her brother, David Miller from Vancouver; children, Sharon Blaskovits (Stephen Groves) from Calgary and Jay Hilford (Bonnie) from Lethbridge and grandchildren, Addison and Emerson Hilford, and Morgan Groves. Gail was predeceased by her parents, Albert (2019) and Dorothy (2008) Miller; and husband, Murray Melanson (2011).

Gail was born in Vancouver, on August 16, 1944, to Albert Jack Miller and Dorothy Miller (nee Zivot). She was surrounded by grandparents and many aunts, uncles and cousins. David, Gail’s younger brother, was the comedian in the family and always made his sister laugh. David and Gail religiously watched the Mickey Mouse Club and Howdy Doody TV shows together with their budgie bird, Eddie, who always chirped in the background. They were very close and supported each other through life’s trials and tribulations and could often be found helping their dad at his Sony and jewelry stores. Gail loved to hang out with her cousins Susan Lauer (Shankman), Linda Lauer (Bloom), and Trudi Yifrah (Kolberg) at family festivities and cousin laughter-filled lunches. Gail also loved ice skating, dancing, parties and evening gatherings at the White Spot Drive-In on Granville Street.

In 1965, Gail wed Lennie Himelfarb. They resided in Calgary, Alberta, and had two children, Sharon and Jay.  Gail took great pride in her children and loved to be involved in their activities as an avid fan and supporter, attending all Sharon’s Calgary Stampede Band trips and Jay’s Calgary Whitesox baseball games. While raising her children, Gail was an active member of the Hadassah-WIZO Organization of Canada (Calgary), to which she served as President.  When her children grew older, Gail owned and operated Arlene’s Esthetician Salon in Willow Park Village for a few years. Gail then moved onto a long-term career as an administrator and underwriter for the Canada Life Insurance Company in downtown Calgary. 

Gail and Murray Melanson moved to Debert, NS, in 2009 and wed in 2011.  Gail and Murray loved touring the countryside on Murray’s motorcycle and told many stories of their adventures.  After Murray’s passing, Gail came back to Calgary to be with her children and new twin granddaughters.  

Gail loved escaping the Calgary winters for sunny Palm Springs, catching the travel bug from her parents and family who wintered in Palm Springs.  Gail visited Palm Springs almost every year of her life and cherished the life-long friendships she made there.  Gail was not shy and loved visiting with those staying at the Biltmore year after year or for the first time.  She also loved shopping in Palm Springs for her distinctive sense of style.

Gail had an insatiable appetite for reading, enjoyed playing mah-jong weekly with friends, entertaining and dining with friends and family, as well as pulling the occasional ‘one-armed bandit’. 

She was a free spirit who was loved by family and friends.  Gail made an impact on so many people’s lives and everyone that knew her realized she lived life her own way.  

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to her friend Gwen Davis, and to the staff of the Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia, for their care and medical expertise during Gail’s final days. 

Due to COVID restrictions, a private graveside service will be held at the Erlton Jewish Cemetery (Corner of Erlton Street and 30 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hadassah-WIZO or the charity of your choice.

Gail’s wishes were to not observe shiva, but instead celebrate her life.   Her family invites you to please leave your special memory or story of Gail below.

Arrangements in care of the CHEVRA KADISHA OF CALGARY, Telephone:  403-244-4717.