Gail Ann Shaheen

On Sunday September 17th, 2023, the Lord’s Day, under the stillness of the late summer sky, comforted with grace upon grace, surrounded by the overwhelming love of family, Gail Ann (Thayer) Shaheen departed for the beatific vision, her heart filled with joy. Born and raised in East Hartford, Gail spent decades in the family homestead on good ‘ole Hanmer Street. Where love, laughter, joy and sorrow ebbed and flowed in the warmth of home. Always surrounded by the fruits of a large Irish family, the Thayer girls and their beloved brother Jack, enjoyed endless memories, family holidays, picnic’s, Great’s potato salad, Memorial Day parades, Christmas’s which included four generations of family, crocheting, scrabble, joke telling, Lawrence Welk, endless cups of hot tea, lazy day naps on the divan, cool breezes on the sunporch, and throngs of cousins (Foran’s, Thayer’s and Donlon’s); lifelong friends and a steady stream of family. The door was always open and company welcomed. Love of family was taught by her beloved mother and father, Anne (Donlon) and Edgar Thayer, who embodied, ‘for where thy treasure is, there is thy heart also’. Gail met the love of her life, ‘Vinny’ Shaheen while working at East Harford Federal Savings Bank, they would soon marry, and set roots down together in Vernon. Welcoming children, daughter, Elise; son Vincent Shaheen and wife Kerry (Shaheen), who became a ‘daughter’ in-law and loving, faithful family member to Gail. As family multiplied so came grandchildren, Travis, Nate, Morgan, Anna and Jack. Crowning Gail with the beloved lifelong moniker ‘Grama Gail’, which she affectionately was called by all who knew her. Her eyes twinkled and sparkled brightest, in the company of her grandchildren. The enduring love and concern shared between Vinny and Gail for family, children and grandchildren would be long lasting, extending far beyond the tribulations and changes of life.

As Gail’s health began to decline, home became Westway Manor. For 30 years ‘the family’; her children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws and cousins, comforted her with visits, ice tea, peppermint patties, family pictures, cards, conversation, laughter and joke’s. Never ceasing, nor tiring, to bring the gathering to ‘Grama Gail’. The Westway staff, residents and caretakers became extended family, and Gail’s blessings were multiplied. Their care and compassion were unsurpassed in every way, and everlastingly appreciated. Seeds of kindness, love and humility were planted and sown in many hearts.

Born on December 17, 1936, Gail graduated East Hartford High School in 1954, the oldest of four children. She was predeceased by her parents, Ann (Donlon) and Edgar Thayer; her former spouse Vincent (‘Vinny’) Shaheen, her sister Carol (Thayer) Leonard and brother in-law Anthony Leonard; in addition to her children and grandchildren she is survived by her sister Ellen (Thayer) and Roger Corso; her brother Jack and Terry Thayer; Sister in-law Susan Shaheen and numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews, grand niece’s and cousins of the Thayer, Foran and Donlon families who cherish her memory in their hearts. Careers and worldly trappings were foreign to ‘Grama Gail’, her heart was where her home was, found always in the comfort of family, caretakers, and the simplicity of daily life. Longingly looking forward to the next birthday, holiday or family visit with childlike anticipation. Blessed with a generous spirit, overwhelming kindness and love of God, every parting visit ended with ‘God bless you’. Dubbed the ‘family historian’ due to her unfailing memory of details, dates and names, she delighted in stories of days past and present, especially Easter dinners she and Vinny hosted in Vernon. Claiming His promises; wrapped in the warmth of the summer sun, surrounded by love of family, covered in prayer, God called her home. It is with grateful hearts that we thank Edward Weigan and all staff, caretakers, CNA’s and nurses who have compassionately cared for Gail. May the seeds of love bloom brightly in the hearts of all who loved her, and the bonds of family strengthen and multiply.

Funeral service will be Friday, September 22, 2023 with a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated at 11 am at Our Lady of Peace Church of St. Edmund Campion Parish, 370 May Road, East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, (Section L), East Hartford. The family has asked that everyone please go directly to the church on Friday morning. Memorial contributions in Gail’s name may be made to the Institute of Christ the King, 50 Charles Street, Waterbury, CT 06708. The D’Esopo East Hartford Memorial Chapel, 30 Carter Street, East Hartford has been entrusted with the care of the funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family, please visit www.desopoeh.com.