1956 - 2023
Visitation
October 13, 20233-7 P.M.
Dolan Funeral Home, 106 Middlesex St., N. Chelmsford
Funeral
October 14, 202310 A.M.
Immaculate Conception Church, 144 E. Merrimack St., Lowell
Gail Williams (Dumond), 67, of Pelham passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 8, 2023 after a courageous 3 ½ year battle with ovarian cancer.
Gail was born in Fort Kent, Maine, a small farming town on the Canadian border, to Lloyd and Louella Dumond. She was one of five children and spent many hours during her childhood working with siblings and cousins on her father’s potato farm. She was a fixture in the tight-knit community, while serving as a motherly figure to her two youngest siblings.
Gail formed countless lifelong friendships during her time in Fort Kent and graduated from high school in 1974. Throughout her life, she would regularly return to visit family and friends, and she always proudly reflected on her first home.
Upon graduating high school, Gail began her migration south, as she earned her Associate degree at Husson University in Bangor, Maine. She eventually made the life-altering decision to move to Massachusetts with her older brother, Rick. It was during this time, that Gail was introduced to her brother’s friend from volleyball, Dan. Gail and Dan were instantly inseparable, and after marrying in 1983, they settled in South Lowell. It was here that they raised two children, Patrick and Kristy, and would remain for over 30 years, before moving to Pelham. Gail and Dan shared a bond unrivaled by any other. They complimented each other, and Dan was the perfect companion for the trials and tribulations of life.
Gail quickly became a valued member of the hospitals in Lowell, as she served as a medical secretary. She initially worked at St. John’s and then became a pillar of the Lowell General Community, where she was renowned for her superior transcription skills, her patience, and her adaptability working in the fast-paced Pathology Department before retiring in 2017.
In March of 2020, Gail was unexpectedly diagnosed with an aggressive form of ovarian cancer. In the midst of several rounds of chemotherapy, she was forced to deal with unspeakable heartbreak: the loss of her 34 year old daughter and best friend, Kristy, who lost her fight with brain cancer in October 2021.
Witnessing Kristy fearlessly battle this horrible illness for 12 years, inspired Gail to become a true “fighter” and to never allow the diagnosis to define her or prevent her from living life to the fullest. In the past few years, she has traveled to Disney, enjoyed beach vacations with her family, and even embarked on a cruise with her husband.
Without question, Gail’s life revolved around family and friends. Until the end, she was a fiercely devoted wife, a nurturing mother, a proud grandmother, and beloved friend. Gail shared a special bond with her son, Patrick, and was so proud of all his life accomplishments and his growing family. However, it was her grandchildren, Avery and Sean, who truly were her pride and joy, and they gave their “Meme” the strength to persevere.
Gail was an extraordinary person, and she truly had a heart of gold. Although she was soft-spoken and modest, she forged many friendships in each chapter of her life. Whether it was Fort Kent, the Immaculate Conception, Lowell General, South Lowell, or the Pelham community, nobody ever could say anything negative about her.
Those who know her best will attest that she had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. Gail was a tremendous listener, and she was passionate about helping others. It was her mission to make life easier for others, even as she struggled with her own health. She was extremely selfless, compassionate, and empathetic.
As the effects of the cancer intensified, Gail fought valiantly and never complained. Her primary concern was her loved ones. Like her daughter, she was an angel on this earth, and now they are reunited and free from suffering. She will be missed immensely by so many, but her memories will never leave those who she has touched.
Gail’s family would like extend their sincere appreciation to the team of doctors and nurses at Lowell General, Dana Farber, and Brigham and Women’s for their tremendous efforts over the last 3 ½ years.
Gail is survived by her husband, Dan Williams; her son, Patrick Williams, and his wife, Rachel; their children, Avery and Sean; her brother, Rick Dumond, and his wife, Nancy; her brother, Tom Dumond, and his wife Carolyn; her sister Karen Fournier; her brother Mark Dumond; and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her parents: Lloyd and Louella Dumond; and her daughter, Kristy Williams.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory can be made to The Kristy Williams Memorial Foundation, 206 Rogers Street, Unit 1, Lowell, MA 01852
FUNERAL NOTICE
Visiting hours Friday, October 13, 2023 from 3:00 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. at DOLAN FUNERAL HOME, 106 MIDDLESEX STREET, N. CHELMSFORD, MA. Funeral Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 9:00 A.M. at Dolan Funeral Home followed by a funeral Mass 10:00 A.M. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lowell, MA. Burial in Lowell Cemetery, Lowell, MA. ARRANGEMENTS BY DOLAN FUNERAL HOME 978-251-4041. Guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
David Tait
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I worked with Gail for years at Lowell General Hospital. She was hands down, one of the finest people I’ve known. Never an unkind word. She was always cheerful and smiling. I considered her a friend, and I’ll miss her. I know we all will.
Sharon Brommer
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During my years at Lowell General, many years ago, I so enjoyed working with Gail and being greeted each morning by her warm smile. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.
Janet Diver
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Writing this with a heavy heart as just lost my friend, Gail, from LGH. We worked together at the hospital and became friends. We would laugh a lot when we were together, as well as confide in each other. I am sincerely going to miss her, but know she is with her beloved Kristy. Now there are two angels watching over us from above. Rest in Peace.
Debra Bozzi
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Gail will always be on me of my favorite cousins. Her bright smile, warm eyes and loving heart so enriched any gathering of the “cousins “ We had several wonderful talks about moving forward after the death of a loved one. Strength and compassion radiated from her. I will miss her as will countless others. God’s blessings to her family. May the warmth of your memories comfort you all.
Debra Bozzi
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Gail will always be one of my favorite cousins. Her bright smile, warm eyes and loving heart so enriched any gathering of the “cousins “ We had several wonderful talks about moving forward after the death of a loved one. Strength and compassion radiated from her. I will miss her as will countless others. God’s blessings to her family. May the warmth of your memories comfort you all.
Brian & Cindy Hoar
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Dear Dan & Patrick and family we are sorry we can not make it to the services. May our thoughts be with you at this unimaginable time. The sweet compassion that Gail raidiated from her smile will be missed immensely.May it never leave your heart.
Brian and Cindy