Gail Arlene Cairns Armstrong

Gail Arlene Armstrong (née Jenkins) of Parksville, BC, passed away on March 22nd, 2026, at the age of 85. Gail was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She is survived by her three sons, Stephen (Sherri), Christopher (Dana), and Phillip (Ruriko); her grandchildren Daniela, Kenichiro, Adam, Sakura, and Gillian; her siblings David (Nora), Kent (Janice), and Linda; her brother-in-law Wilson; and her sister-in-law Pat (Dave), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other beloved relatives. Gail was predeceased by her loving husband Ken, sister Sylvia, brother-in-law Bob, and her husband's siblings Mary Anne, Robert, and Don.

Gail was born in Charlottetown, PEI, on February 15, 1941, to Eileen (Holman) and Ralph W. Cairns. When Gail was four years old, her father died suddenly, and her mother later remarried Ralph H. Jenkins, a pharmacist. Gail grew up alongside her younger siblings Sylvia, David, Kent, and Linda. As a child, she was stricken with osteomyelitis, an illness that left her with mobility challenges she would carry throughout her life. The experience also helped shape her outlook, instilling in her a fierce sense of determination and independence that defined her character.

Gail attended high school at a girls' boarding school in New Brunswick. Following graduation, she pursued a career in healthcare, earning her diploma as a Radiological Technician. It was in the X-ray lab where she met the love of her life, Ken Armstrong, a young veterinarian. Gail and Ken were married in the summer of 1963. Over the years, Ken's career led the family across the country, ultimately bringing them to Saskatoon, where he worked at the University of Saskatchewan for over three decades. Upon Ken's retirement, the couple made their final home together in Parksville, BC.

Small in stature with an outsized presence, Gail was well-known in the community for her kind words and fierce hugs. She was a proud supporter of school events and often heard loudly cheering at her son's teams. She loved the arts and regularly attended local concerts, theatre and dance performances. She expressed her own creativity through cake decorating, photography, and as a member of local choirs. She was an active volunteer at the United Church and loved supporting the congregation.

As a curious, lifelong learner, Gail enjoyed continuing studies courses well into her later years. She shared a deep love of nature and animals with Ken, which they expressed through camping, birdwatching, enthusiastic road-trips and as active members of local nature clubs. Gail touched many lives, never ceasing to make new friends and was always chatting with someone new.

Sadly, in her later years, Gail was stricken with Alzheimer's. The illness took her sharp intellect and her confident manner, but it could not take her smile, her sense of joy, or her love of laughter, all of which stayed with her until the very end.

The Armstrong family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Gardens of Qualicum Beach for their loving care and support during the final years of Gail's life.

A celebration of Gail's life will be held at a later date.