Gail Marilynn Van Leeuwen

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear Mom Gail Van Leeuwen on June 22nd 2026. She passed away peacefully at the age of 78 in North Vancouver surrounded by her two most precious gifts - her children. Gail was a beloved Grandma, Daughter, Friend, Colleague, Cousin, travel buddy, plane friend, pickleball partner... the list goes on.

Gail was born on May 9th 1948 in Victoria BC but her father’s career in the Air Force took her to many places as a child including, Edmonton, Calgary, Salt Lake City Utah, England (where her mother was from and where her parents met) back to Victoria and eventually settling in Vancouver. Her ability to make friends wherever she went was a result of her resilience and strength as she navigated living in new cities and was able to make lifelong connections- some of which she was in touch with for over 65 years!

A few years after high school in 1970, Gail got married to her first husband John Dunn. They lived a wonderful life together travelling, camping, backpacking and hosting many dinner parties. Gail also took courses at the University of Victoria but shortly after landed her dream job at IBM where she made an impact on many people there, and more lifelong friendships blossomed.

In her 30's while working at Whonnock Industries/Sauder Industries Gail met the love of her life Gerry Van Leeuwen, they got married shortly after, and together they spent many nights dancing, laughing, and travelling, with trips to Whistler and many more adventures. But Gail's biggest dream and what she always wanted was to become a mom and when she did in 1987 with her daughter Chelsea and again in 1989 with her son Kyle, her life took on a new meaning. Her immense love, caring nature and willingness to do anything for her children was unparalleled. She dedicated her life thereafter to them, taking them on trips all over the world- from mystery trips in the car, to Summers in Parksville with her parents, to Europe and more. She managed their sports teams, picked them up from school every day and watched every single sporting event they had. She traveled to Ontario and England to visit both of her kids in University. She was an incredible mother in every sense of the word, to know her as a mom was an honor.

Gail had great success working for several direct sales clothing companies for about 15 years in her 50's and 60's - again making many more friends! Her fashion sense was another great gift- always making sure to have the perfect accessories for any outfit. She loved hats, scarves and jewelry.

When her husband Gerry passed away in 2015, Gail's strength and vigor for life continued as she persevered. She travelled the world many times over (Middle East, Europe, South America, Antarctica etc.) on cruises with her "cruis’in cousin" Dianne Pettersen. She became a dedicated member of her new community at Hampton Place in UBC joining the gardening committee and strata council. She met more new friends and enjoyed spending time with them playing pickleball, mahjong, aquafit, going for coffee dates and many dog walks with her two West Highland Terriers, Duffy and Sammy.

In 2020 she once again had another dream come true- this time she became a Grandma. Her love for her two grandchildren Maddie (2020) and Hudson (2023) was unmatched. Her love for life continued on in them. Seeing her with them are memories that will be remembered forever.

Gail's love for life, feisty personality and strength carried her through many obstacles in her extraordinary life. She was always positive and able to make the best of any situation. Her love of music and dancing will be remembered and her happiness and charm was infectious. She was able to achieve anything she put her mind to. We will cherish these memories and honor her spirit, resilience, and positive attitude. Gail quietly battled cancer for the last year, however her strength helped her through it right until the last few months.

Gail is survived by her children Chelsea (Andrew Kocicka) and Kyle Van Leeuwen, and her grandchildren Maddie and Hudson Kocicka, plus cousins Gordon (Sandy) Cole, Dianne Pettersen, Cathy (Gary) Allnutt Bill (Denise) Wellburn, David (Deb) Wellburn, Patricia (Don) Ramsfield, and John Waring and many second cousins and other extended family members. Her death is preceded by her parents Edgar (Ted) Waring, Joyce Waring and husband Gerry Van Leeuwen.