Gail S Rothstein

Karen Gail Sutton Rothstein, known lovely as Gail by her family and friends. Peacefully passed away Tuesday May 19th in Raleigh, North Carolina at the age of 71 after long and courageous battle against leukemia.

Gail was born on January 5, 1955 in Kinston, North Carolina, to the late Alma and Victor Sutton. Gail grew up surrounded with love by her brother Larry and sisters Sharon and Vickie. She attended Lenoir Community College and obtained her degree in court reporting. She followed her ambition to Raleigh, North Carolina and began working for the NC Department of Agriculture in the legal office. Gail finally retired after working 30 years for the state.

Gail met the love of her life Lee Rothstein through mutual friends Angela and John Francioni. After a few years of a whirlwind of love they finally married on August 23, 1981 Their love survived 49 years (almost 45 years of marriage). In March of 1986, Gail gave birth to her ‘amazing” daughter Sara. Sara grew up becoming a mini version of her mother in the best way possible.

Gail loved her family, friends, and books. She would always be surrounded by one or the other. You would never see her without a book nearby. She never met a stranger and never would let anyone feel left out. Gail had a strong connection with her extended family. She was fondly labeled the “activity director” at the family reunions. She would never miss a family reunion, a wedding, or even a girl’s trip when it involved her loved ones.

She was a nine-time cancer survivor (two battles with breast cancer, uterine cancer, MDS, a stem cell transplant, and several battles with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Gail fought each battle with grace and determination. Never once did she waiver or fall into turmoil over her diagnoses. She inspired those around her to never give up, to keep their faith, and to never let their light be dimmed. She was a true survivor to the end.

Gail’s family wish to acknowledge the team of doctors, nurses, and support staff that helped her throughout the years. Laurie Bridges P.A. at Wake Internal Medicine, Dr. Yoffe at Rex Cancer, Dr. Serody at UNC BMT Chapel Hill, Dr. Zeidner at UNC Chapel Hill, Stephanie Dawson P.A. at UNC Chapel Hill, Dr. Jamison at Rex Cancer, and Transitions Lifecare (Kat). Thank you for taking care of Gail throughout the toughest time of her life. Each and everyone of you made a lasting impression on her. Her family is forever grateful.

Gail is survived in death by her devoted husband Lee Rothstein, daughter Sara Rothstein, sister Sharon Harrison (Don), Vickie Rudland, and preceded in death by her parents Alma and Victor Sutton, as well as her brother Larry Sutton (Robin).

A graveside service will be held at Temple Israel Memorial Park in Kinston, North Carolina on Sunday May 24th at 1:00 PM.

Following the service there will be a wake at the family home (3908 Oak Park Rd., Raleigh, NC) between 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Shiva will start at 7:45 PM for those who would wish to attend and continue nightly for a week.

If you would like to donate to the memory of Gail Rothstein the family has chosen the NMDP, a known non-profit that specializes in blood stem cell and bone marrow transplants.