SAVIDANT, Gail Alice (nee Delemont) - Passed away peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital on Friday, March 4th, 2011 at the age of 89.

Gail was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, John, in 2008. Her passing is greatly mourned by her three children: son Stephen of Calgary, Alberta and wife Jane; son Brian of Sarnia, Ontario and wife Brenda; and daughter Glenna of Westbank, BC and husband Michael. She will be sorely missed by her seven grandchildren: Michael and wife Stacy, Jonathan, Stephen, Stephanie and husband Jeff, Ryan, Jessica and Robyn. Gail was also thrilled to have welcomed to the world her first and beautiful new great-granddaughter Evelyn Holly Savidant earlier this year.

Gail was born July 17th, 1921 to father Leonard Delemont and his wife Ada in Montreal, and shared her early years with her best friend and sister, Joan. Romance bloomed for Gail in the form of a brash young man whom she at first dismissed as an unlikely prospect. Love ultimately conquered all doubts and on June 1st, 1946, Gail and John married and settled down to domestic life. The young couple purchased a home in Dorval where their three children were raised. They forged many friendships with neighbours and Air Canada work mates which were to last a lifetime. Gail was always gracious, welcoming and treasured her many close friends. Her first priority, however, was always family. Her boundless love and willingness to put others before her remain a legacy to all those who were lucky enough to know her. Gail pursued a number of hobbies including needlework, gardening and birdwatching. Nothing pleased her more than getting her hands in the dirt and making her small corner into a paradise of greenery and blossoms. Gail was also an enthusiastic Montreal Canadiens fan for many years. Travel with John took her to Europe and the Caribbean on several occasions, but home was where her heart was. Gail was first, foremost and always a people person. The greatest pleasures to her were the company of her family and friends. In 1991, John and Gail pulled up stakes and relocated to Kelowna BC. While she missed her friends in Quebec, Gail’s sunny disposition soon won her another circle of close friends. At the end, Gail remained true to her values, directing her children to pass her love to family members and friends, knowing that her time was at hand. She slipped away quietly: calm, lucid and brave to the end.

A viewing is to be held the evening of Wednesday, March 9th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road in Kelowna, BC. Funeral services will also be held at the same venue on Thursday, March 10th, at 10:00 AM.

Donations in Gail’s name can be made to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, which made a significant difference in Gail’s life, at www.canadahelps.org.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com, 250-860-7077.

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