Obituary of Gail Bradshaw

July 2, 1949 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

October 28, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

 

Gail Bradshaw (nee Saunders) was born in Winnipeg, MB, on July 2, 1949, and passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2024, at the age of 75 years, in Calgary, AB.

 

Mom was very private and understated; as her daughter, I’ve tried my best to honour her while knowing full well she would think I’m making a fuss. I will be forever grateful that we were so close.

 

Mom’s fondest childhood memories were of summers spent at Manitoba Pioneer Camp on Shoal Lake, where her father, Dr. Michael G. Saunders, volunteered as the camp doctor. Those summers were filled with adventure, and she grew into a master canoer and a beloved camp counsellor.

 

A graduate of Kelvin High School (Class of 1967), Mom cherished her time as an international exchange student, spending a transformative year in France with the Koch family. Danielle, her host sister, became one of her closest friends and remained so throughout her life.

 

After earning her Bachelor of Arts (Class of 1972), Bachelor of Education in Educational Psychology, and certification in Early Childhood Education from the University of Manitoba, she became a teacher at the Shriners Hospital for Sick Children. Mom devoted her teaching career to children with special needs. She had a gift for making every child feel seen, supported, and loved.

 

Mom married Terry Bradshaw in 1972, and together they raised their two children, Michael and Erin. Their journey took them from Winnipeg, MB, to Vancouver, BC, in a series of moves that she made seem effortless. By the time the moving van left, she had everything in its place and a delicious meal on the table. Each new home was always cozy and welcoming, a testament to her warmth and limitless energy. Vancouver held a special place in her heart. An especially fond memory was walking her favourite dog, Sandy, along the beach at Boundary Bay, BC. Sandy would run off to catch crabs, and if they pinched her nose, she would run yelping back to Mom for comfort, much like we all did when we were scared or hurt.

 

In 1992, we made one final move to Calgary, where she was thrilled to be close to her sister Deb, brother-in-law Sheldon, and her beloved niece, Kari, who she cherished like a daughter.

 

Mom’s adventurous spirit was as boundless as her love for family. In her forties, she learned to fly and became Dad’s co-pilot on their Saturday flights across Alberta to go for breakfast. A talented gardener and homemaker, Mom took pride in creating a warm, elegant home and was known for her vibrant garden. She was fiercely independent, loved a to-do list, and somehow had every tool for any job – fixing things around the house became her art.

 

She taught us all the value of a good laugh and had a gentle and witty British sense of humour that reminded us not to take life too seriously. She taught her family to laugh at themselves, approach life with optimism, and treat others with kindness and understanding. Endlessly supportive, selfless, and kind, Mom was an incredibly giving person, always finding ways to help others quietly and without fanfare.

 

Through her health challenges, she remained graceful, courageous, and endlessly positive, qualities that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

 

Mom passed away peacefully, me holding her hand and Kari by her side.

 

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Michael (Sharon) and grandson, Matthew; her daughter, Erin; her former husband, Terry; her brother, Chris; her sisters, Jennifer, Deborah (Sheldon), and Erica; her cousins in the United Kingdom; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was surrounded by friends and family who cherished her and will miss her dearly.

 

In keeping with her wishes, there will be no formal service. For those who wish to honour her memory, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Calgary & Area Chapter, 150, 110 Quarry Park Blvd. S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 3G3 Telephone: (403) 250-7090, www.mssociety.ca.

 

Mom’s legacy of love, strength, and kindness will forever live on in our hearts.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Gail’s family here.

 

 

In living memory of Gail Bradshaw, 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.