Gail M. Glass

Gail Glass was born on November 19, 1932, in Duluth, Minnesota, and died on June 4, 2025 in Houston, TX. She grew up skating on the frozen lakes of Minnesota and spending summers at the lake—experiences that brought her joy throughout her youth.

After the death of her mother, Gail chose to move as a teenager to Houston, Texas, to live in the parsonage with her sister Elaine and brother-in-law, Rev. Kenneth C. Larson, the mission pastor of Christ the King Lutheran Church. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Duluth and became a devoted member of Christ the King in Houston from 1947 onward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, artist and historian Jim Glass; her parents, John and Edith Maurice; her sisters, Evodia Maurice and Elaine Larson (Kenneth); her granddaughter, Hannah Glass; and her son, Stephen Glass.

She is survived by her children: Berkeley Glass (Ann), Elizabeth Heritage (Michael), Ethan Glass (Katherine), and Jennie Glass; her daughter-in-law, Laura Glass; grandchildren Ethan Heritage (Maggie), Jessica Simmons, Michael Heritage (Tyra), William Glass, Charlie Glass, and Nawi Reyna; great-grandchildren Caden, Asher & Harper Simmons; and many cherished nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and great-grand-nieces and -nephews—all of whom she dearly loved.

Gail graduated from Lamar High School and Houston Business College, and attended Gustavus Adolphus College, Trinity University, and the University of Houston, where she studied law and English. After starting her family, she worked as a Medical Secretary at the McGovern Allergy and Asthma Clinic for 37 years.

She met Jim at a friend’s wedding, where he was chosen to walk her down the aisle as a bridesmaid because he was tall enough to match her in heels. They married in 1954, and on June 5, 2025, she was with him in heaven for what would have been their 71st wedding anniversary.

At Christ the King, Gail served faithfully on the Church Council, the Altar Guild, and directed and taught in Vacation Bible School. She was a founding member of the church choir and treasured many years of singing and traveling with them—from La Grange, Texas to Sweden and Leipzig, Germany—building lasting friendships over late-night bridge games and strawberry rhubarb pie. As part of the “Piecemakers,” she helped craft countless quilts and pillows, with proceeds supporting the church’s mission.

Gail also served on the board of the Bach Society Houston, helping nurture its growth from a small initiative to a thriving cultural organization that brings the music of Bach and other master composers to the Houston community. A welcome mat at her home read, “Bach Later, Offenbach Sooner.”

Proud of her Swedish heritage, Gail expressed it through her baking and her involvement in the Linneas of Texas, a cultural group in Houston. One of her most beloved traditions was the annual St. Lucia Day celebration each December, where her daughter and granddaughters took part—often with the honor of wearing the crown of candles as the Lucia.

A devoted Astros fan, she shared many games with her family, complete with wine and Wheat Thins after the 5th inning, and cherished Mother’s Day outings to Minute Maid Park.

Gail was a gifted self-taught seamstress, tailor, and crafter from the age of 15. She could make anything—from her own prom dresses, wedding gowns for herself and her daughters, and sports banquet decor, to four-foot-wide stuffed bats for the Houston Zoo. Her creative touch made every event special.

In 2022, her family gathered from across the country (and Canada) to celebrate her 90th birthday with a treasured weekend in Rockport, Texas. In her final year, she traveled to Colorado and Austin to witness her grandson’s wedding and another’s college graduation—events that brought her immense pride and joy.

Gail was our gracious, wise, and compassionate matriarch—our Proverbs 31 woman. Her strength, humor, creativity, and unwavering love will remain in our hearts always.

A memorial service will be held at Christ the King Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at 11am, immediately followed by a reception in the parish hall. A private family burial at Glenwood Cemetery will occur at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her name to Christ the King Lutheran Church or Bach Society Houston, 2353 Rice Blvd, Houston, TX 77005.