Gail Ann Morin

Gail entered this world Wednesday, April 24, 1940, in Mason City, Washington to the home of Karl Henry & Christina Mae Sampson-Overbey.

A graduate of Ephrata High School in Ephrata, Washington: a life-long learner - Gail went on to earn her master’s degree in education, attending Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington.

On Saturday, May 15, 1965, Gail’s life forever changed when she married Bernard J. “Bernie” Morin, in the Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Ephrata, Washington; followed by a real “Whoop-t doo” party at the Grand Coulee, Washington Moose Club.

In her thirty plus years in public education, Gail taught at the Nespelem, Washington and Grand Coulee, Washington’s Lake Roosevelt Schools.

Always active within her community, Gail served for many years as both Council Woman and as Mayor of Elmer City, Washington.

A member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho, Gail was passionate in researching her and her husband Bernie’s ancestral heritage, “The Métis” who lived in western and central Canadian Provinces and the northern United States. She authored over 100 books, tracked her family line back to the 1700s and compiled the Manitoba Scrip, North West Half-Breed Scrip 1885, 1900 Scrip, and Metis Families editions. The archives of the “University of Alberta” contain a comprehensive genealogical database of 65,434 Metis ancestors, all compiled by Gail Morin.

When not opening the minds of students, debating at city council meetings or researching her indigenous ancestors, Gail’s greatest love was spending time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed bowling, growing tomatoes in her garden, sewing, or just sitting on her deck, diet Pepsi in hand, watching the river go by.

Preceded in death by her beloved husband of forty-eight years: Bernard “Bernie” Morin; both of her parents, brother: Kenneth Anderson and sisters Raetta Nulik, Karen Schuy and Mary Watts; Gail’s legacy lives on through her two sons: Michael Morin & Robert Morin; grandchildren: Amy Morin, Christian Mann and Cassidy Trapani and sister: Gloria Ruben.

A celebration of Gail’s life will be announced in the spring of 2024.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stratefuneral.com for Gail’s family. Strate Funeral Home of Grand Coulee, WA is caring for her family.