Gail Louise Lockington

March 15, 1948 – December 26, 2023

With her family all together, Gail died at home on Boxing Day, the end of her ‘long journey’. Bill, her husband for 52 wonderful years, and her children Jamie (Jules), Jen (Mike) and Raeme have the gift of so many memories and life lessons to treasure. Morgan, Blake (daughters to Ian and Raeme) and Sloane (daughter to Jamie and Jules) will have, for their lives, the treasured stories and teachings of their Grandmother’s values.

The daughter of Ray and Lois Porter, Gail was born in Toronto in 1948, sharing a wonderful upbringing with her older brothers Doug (Diane), the late Rick (Wendy predeceased) and younger brother Tom (Kate). Western University followed high school (Richview Collegiate) and her Phys Ed degree led to a brief but rewarding teaching career. Meeting Bill at Western, they married in 1971 and after three years in Toronto, moved to Peterborough to raise their children and support Bill’s law practice. As the families of her own siblings and those of the Lockington in-laws Bryan and Bonnie, Beth and Mike and Doug and Barb grew, she became a beloved aunt to her many nieces and nephews.

Raeme and Jen often said “I want a life just like Mom’s”. Gail’s life was one of many interests and experiences. She was a friend to many, friendships that were reciprocated and highly valued. The famous ‘non-bridge’ bridge club (of over 40 years), the ‘real’ bridge group, tennis, squash, hiking, biking, alpine and cross-country skiing, golf groups (hole-in-one), her ‘book club’, the ‘Merino Road Mystery Group’, to name but a few, were cherished relationships that kept a perpetual smile on her face.

Gail spent every summer of her 75 years at Porter’s Quarters, Wood Lake, the family cottage near Bracebridge. Her ‘summer home’ and ‘happy place’ was lovingly shared with her mother Lois, and life-long neighbours, the Bells and Lytles. Tennis, gardening, sailing, her yellow kayak, pushing her granddaughters on the lakeside swing, and valued deck time were favourite pastimes at the lake.

As a family we fondly reflect on those numerous interests and passions particular to her: ‘all things turquoise’, the Opera, decorating, a love of Canadiana antiques, her celebrity idols, Cary Grant and John F. Kennedy, ‘cheese dreams’, euchre and cribbage, her beloved Bichons to name but a few.

Gail had an entrepreneurial side, a periodical financial assistant to Bill and his brother Doug, ‘storekeeper’ at Festival of Trees, and a partner with Penny in Old Village Paints, all endeavours with their own stories and humour. Like her parents, Ray and Lois, and Stewart and Clara, Bill’s parents, Gail valued and contributed to the well-being of her community. She was a ready volunteer and enthusiastic supporter of the Family Y, Crossroads and Hospice capital building campaigns, Festival of Trees, March of Dimes and others.

Travel was a constant with Bill and many friends. She saw much of the world, appreciative of the opportunities and learnings that diversity of culture and geography offered. Gail loved life and life loved her. The smile we’ll continue to see, the laughter to hear, the positivity and unconditional love she so graciously gave, are for all of us, a lasting legacy.

Our sincere appreciation for the love and dedicated support Gail’s caregivers (her angels, Lydia, Kathryn, Catherine, Gloria and Claire) have provided throughout the last few years. They have become and are family. Penny, Gail and Shelley, your regular weekly visits over the years had more meaning than you will know. To Dr. Crane and Emmanuel (R.N.), our gratitude for their sensitive and compassionate care. The Celebration of Gail’s life will be held on January 13, 2024 from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the Peterborough Lawn Bowling Club, 577 McDonnel Street, Peterborough.

If so desired, Gail’s family is appreciative of in memoriam donations to Hospice Peterborough and the Alzheimer’s Society Peterborough, which may be made by contacting the Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre at www.comstockkaye.com (705-745-4683).