Gail George Anderson

Gail George Anderson, aged 90, of North Scituate, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully in her home in Scituate, on April 22nd, 2024. Born in Daytona, FL, to Arthur George and Hazle (Wagg) George in 1934, she moved to Westwood, MA at an early age and was raised there. Gail attended Westwood High School and then Wheelock College. During her time at Wheelock, she met her loving husband of 63 years, Arthur Anderson, whom she married in July of 1953. Together, they raised three children – Gary, Scott, and Laura. Gail is predeceased by her sister Elizabeth Ann, her husband Arthur, and her daughters-in-law Laura Jean (Scott) and Mary Beth (Gary). She is survived by all three of her children: Gary, and his wife Jen; Scott; and Laura, and her husband Frank Smith. One of Gail’s greatest joys in life were her grandchildren: Jamie, Geoff - and his wife Heather and their three children Piper, Evan, and Holly - Thomas, Mark, Paul, Devon and Tristan.

Gail contributed extensively to the family business, Anderson Fuel, after Arthur took sole ownership of the company in the 1950s. She played a significant role in growing the business and wore many hats in its early stages. Gail was an essential and equal partner to Arthur in everything they did – from family to business. In addition, in the late 1970s, Anderson Fuel purchased a hay and feed business to accompany Fitts Mill in Greenbush, Scituate. For many years, Gail ran the store in Hanson. Despite not knowing much about the industry, her hardworking, no-nonsense attitude drove her to take the reins. She thoroughly enjoyed running the store – developing close relationships with local farmers.

For anyone who knew Gail, it was clear that she was an incredibly strong-willed and intelligent woman. Despite being both a young wife and mother, she surely didn’t suffer fools. Gail was the driving force behind the building and designing of the family houses in Norwell and Scituate, as well as their summer cottage in Maine. During her years living in Marshfield, Gail was an active member of the Garden Club and the Choral Arts Society. She also enjoyed volunteering in the local school system, believing strongly in the importance of education. Together with Arthur, Gail gave to many charities and contributed to her community in many ways. She was an active member of the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church in Scituate, where she was involved in various groups and sang in the choir with her daughter Laura. Gail always had a great love for music – whether that was listening to Arthur play the piano or getting her whole family together for a Christmas carol sing-along, it was something that brought her great happiness.

Arthur and Gail lived a full life, spending summers in Boothbay, ME, with their Rocky Point community for over 50 years – and winters in Marco Island, FL, for 20 years. Their time was often spent together, and with their children, grandchildren, and close friends boating, playing tennis and golf, and always prioritizing a seafood dinner with generous dessert. Their many Labrador Retrievers (Sandy, Misty, Tobi Ann, and Chester) kept them busy throughout the years. It wasn’t a stop by Gail’s house without bringing the dogs. Gail also shared her love for travel with her whole family, planning trips to Lake Powell and Alaska, and even taking everyone to a dude ranch in Idaho to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Gail’s life was defined by her love for her family, as she was a true matriarch. Her immense generosity and love, coupled with her honesty and matter-of-fact advice, made her a trusted mother, grandmother, friend, and confidant. As her grandkids would agree, you couldn’t get anything past ‘Grammie.’ She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her as the powerful force she was.

Gail’s services will be determined at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church of Scituate, MA, or Beacon Hospice in Plymouth, MA.