Gail and I were first cousins.  Our fathers were brothers.  And while we grew up in nearby neighborhoods, we saw each other for occasional holiday gatherings.  Gail always had a great smile and outgoing personality.  She seemed to know what she wanted and went after it.  Im glad I got to see her in Arizona before she died.  A strong woman, a loving woman, a kind woman.  That was Gail.

Gail welcomed everyone she met with open arms, a twinkle in her eyes, and that beautiful smile. Her family and friends became your family and friends, and vice versa. We loved getting together for impromptu meals where we would sit and talk and laugh for hours, and game nights are our special moments to be remembered forever. One of our luckiest days was the day we moved into the house next door to the Katz family. Gail made a lasting impression on us both and will hold a special place in our hearts forever.

Gail and Norm are our daughter's in laws. It is truly a blessing when one's precious daughter marries a good and loving man,  but then to find out that his parents are such wonderful people too is like winning the family jackpot. I mean it. We love them but also really  like them, a lot. Gail always made me feel welcomed and loved. She was always positive and friendly and fun. So easy to talk to which is uncommon. My husband Mark and I felt that we were all part of a special family. We would all laugh because they called us the "outlaws" (I don't know why LOL). And so it was with great sadness that we found out about Gail's illness and subsequent years fighting it. But she never complained once and was an example to us all of how a human being should behave even under duress. I remember dancing with her on the beach under the stars at Seths and Jane's wedding and she gave me a gift that day of a t shirt with Outlaw written on it which I will always treasure. She was a special lady and will always be remembered by all of The Appleman branch of the family. Also, Mark wants it to be noted for the record that she spontaneously responded to a crisis that our nephews wife, Lealyn had in Arizona and was kind and supportive. She provided bedrock support when it was truly needed. Another class act by a classy lady. Last but not least we were all together that last weekend in southern Cal and got to watch Jason's beautiful movie together in the theater and Gail sat next to Jason and if anyone has seen Coco they will understand the profound and uncanny relevance of the situation. Also that she seem to wait until this last weekend ended to say goodbye was amazing. We love you Gail and Farewell, you know  we are all just a few seconds behind you in the scheme if all things. See you in the next land. Billy, Mark, and the whole family ❤❤

I cannot reminisce about my high school days without including Gail and Norm Katz!  Many, many nights were spent hanging out at their house after football games and dances.  She was always so welcoming and made us feel like part of the family.  Gail knew more about what was going on in my life than my own parents!  I remember so many weekends hanging out at Del Amo Mall and stopping by Bullocks to see if she was working.  I am so grateful to have been able to see her last Thanksgiving - even though it had been years of keeping in touch only through Facebook - it was as if no time had passed.  I brought along my family that day and they all knew that Gail Katz was the kind of mom I want to be for my own children and their friends.  We should all strive to be so welcoming and loving as Gail!

I'm really lucky to have so many warm and wonderful memories of Gail.  We shared a lot of good times together, at work and at play, and I will keep those moments close forever.  Even thought I can't attend her Celebration of Life, I'll be there in spirit.  Gail will always be my lovely, lovely friend and hold a special place in my heart.

I felt an instant "connection" to Gail . Like so many of us working in the cosmetics industry we were family but something about Gail set her apart....no matter how long it had been between seeing each other ..no matter what you said or did...she loved and accepted you...she made you feel like you mattered...and to Gail you did! 
Sharing the stories of our children and Grandchildren are my favorite memories...both of our families growing year after year....I will cherish our times together and be sad at our times lost...Love you Gail....

Gail Katz touched my heart deeply. I got to know her through the 9 years I did her hair. She has an extraordinary family that she was always so proud of and loved. Her family and friends meant so much. She cared wholeheartedly and took the time to listen, understand and connect. A truly, beautiful,loving soul. I will always remember you Gail ! She taught me this phase let it go with love which meant forgive, remain in love. Love you Gail!

I simply lost track of how much time I spent in Gail's home.  No matter how much time I spent there I was always welcomed with open arms to come back for more. She and Norm were second parents to me, and to about a dozen other friends that spend thousands of hours with them.  I called her Mom for several years.  She even helped me get a job in HS. Sure, I hated it, but I learned a lot from it.  

I had not seen Gail in a long time, too long in fact, but it was always reassuring to know that she was there.  I hope that her family can find solace in the knowledge of what a positive impact she made on people, and how she provided such a prime example of being a good, genuinely nice, open, and caring person.

"The year was 2006 or 2007 when my doorbell rang. I opened the door to a lovely woman, who introduced herself as my neighbor, told me she and her husband had recently adopted a golden retriever puppy (beautiful Willow), and wondered if I wouldnt  mind puppy sitting since I wasnt working at the time, and was home most of the day. I said yes and I am so glad I did because it was the start of a friendship with Norm and Gail that was filled with love, tears, and so much laughter. Norm and Gail were there for the important bits as well as the small ones. When we brought our son Kyle home they welcomed him as one of their own, and they forever became known as Gg and Gpa. Im so glad I opened my door that day. I met a beautiful soul who never saw bad in anyone. I so admired her ability to talk to anyone, and instantly become friends with them. She raised 2 amazing sons, welcomed their wives as her own daughters, got to see the births of 4 grandchildren, and loved all of them with her entire being. She lit up when she spoke of them. And Norm. I loved watching the two of them together, and can only hope my marriage stays as strong. Gg you will be missed.

"Gail and I met and became friends in 1985.  In 1993 we went to see "The Cemetery Club", a comedy.  When the movie was over and the lights came on, I was sobbing.  Gail looked at me and said "what's the matter with you?"  I said, "I just realized that we're friends for life, one of us is going to bury the other."  She then said, "Well, it's not going to be tonight, so let's go!"  Quickly ending my sentimental moment.

I am thankful and blessed that we had another 24 years as sister/friends, but so very sad that she's gone. I will miss her every day."

Gail Katz, you touched so many people in so many ways. The world is a darker place without your humor, and love of life. We love you and miss you so very much.

I will always remember Gail as the girl who lived at the corner of Wightman & Poccuset St. with her parent's and brother Marty.  Then from Stanton Heights the BEST thing that ever happened to my cousin Norman, he met and married Gail Podolsky.  What a surprise me living so close and Norman marries Gail!  Although I have not seen you both in many, many years and think I may have met Jason and Seth when they were very small, it seems from a distance that Gail & Norman were made for each other and she was the glue in the family.  I am so very sorry for all of you and remember Norman telling me she really fought a hell of a battle.  I will think of Gail and what a brave woman she was as I go forward in my own journey.

Bless all of you.  You are in my prayers and thoughts.

Love,

Rona

Gail and I met at our first oncologist's clinic where she was also volunteering. We share the myeloma cancer journey Gail was very kind to me when I got my diagnosis answering my many questions and delivering some of her wonderful Matzo Ball Soup after my transplant. Norm, Gail and I with my girl friend, Jane became friends spending many evenings taking advantage of Flemings and Z Tajas happy hours.
Gail once told me; " I will not let this cancer consume me". I am blessed to follow that admonition of this kind and caring lady. Thank you Gail.

Gail was the best mother in law a girl could hope for. She embraced me as a daughter and taught me so much about perseverance and unconditional love. She also had on hell of a sense of humor and a fantastic outlook in life. I am so glad I got to spend 15 years with Gail in my life and I won't ever forget those memories. We will keep her legacy of fun, love and great parties alive!

She will be truly missed. I met Gail through my daughter, Shanna. Gail was a caring and loving person. This world was a better place just knowing Gail. May she rest in peace.

My sweet mama Katz!  I always called you my Jewish mommy!  I will forever be eternally grateful our paths in 1998!  We have shared so many laughs, tears and special memories over the years!  I am so happy we were able to get together for lunch to celebrate your 70th birthday!  I will love and miss you forever!  Rest in peace my beautiful friend!

OBITUARY

Gail Joyce Katz

30 May, 1947 – 27 November, 2017

Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary

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