Obituary of Gail Wuotila

August 23, 1940 - Flin Flon, Manitoba

March 30, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Gail Wuotila of Calgary, AB passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the age of 81 years.

Gail was born in Flin Flon, MB on August 23, 1940, the sixteenth of seventeen children born to Harold and Mattie Leask. She was predeceased by her husband Nelson (Bud) Wuotila in 1980, as well as her parents, and fourteen other siblings over the years.

She is survived by her two sons, Ron (Helen) of Halifax, NS, and  Patrick of Calgary, AB; and her much loved grandchildren, Jack and Katie, currently studying in Halifax, NS; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families; her next born sisters, and brother and sister-in-law, Ruth Brown of Winnipeg, MB, Joan McGuire of Ancaster, ON, Larry Wuotila of Okotoks, AB, and sister-in-law Joyce Kucheran of Cardston, AB.

After completing secretarial school, Park City College, Prince Albert, SK in 1957, she returned to Flin Flon and worked at radio station CFAR. And a year later, headed to Calgary to work at CFAC radio, and then CHCT-TV (now Global). For some period of time, she worked short contracts in the field she loved. However, she took every opportunity to be a stay-at-home Mom, decorating the house, engaging in hobbies and encouraging and supporting her sons in many sports. Her sons meant everything to her, as well as the love she had for her siblings. The final fifteen years of her working life were spent at Canada Post, advancing to administrative assistant; she was sad to retire given her love for that role and the people she worked with.

In addition to supporting her own family and developing great friendships with co-workers, Gail’s love and care for her extended family and those in her daily life marked her adult years. Always willing to make personal sacrifices to help anyone in need of support, her kindness and care were instrumental for many. Those she came in contact with on a daily basis remember a woman who genuinely loved the people around her.

A Celebration of Gail’s Life will be held at the Glencoe Club (636 29th Avenue, SW, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

Final arrangements are being taken care of by the Cooperative Memorial Society. Gail’s wishes were for people to consider a donation to the Calgary chapter of KidSport Canada - Alberta, Box 36107, Lakeview RPO, Calgary, AB T3E 7C6 Telephone: 1-(888) 91-4kids or (403) 217-3761, www.kidsportcanada.ca; or the Centre for Child and Adolescent Mental Health through the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB,  T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 955.8818. www.buildthemup.ca in her honour.

In living memory of Gail Wuotila, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.