Marlene Gail Brookes (Nee Morrison)

Gail was born in Edmonton but at a young age her family moved to Calgary where she grew up. She went to Parkdale Elementary first, then attending Queen Elizabeth High School where she met several girls who would remain her lifelong friends.

Gail lived a very full life in which she accomplished everything she had hoped she would. After graduating from high school she went on to attend Parson’s School of Design in New York City to pursue her love of fashion. After moving back to Calgary she completed her schooling in Public Relations which she pursued as her career.

Gail travelled extensively around the world, through her job with Pacific Western Airlines. She loved exploring and taking photographs of all the places she went, often collecting charms from each location to add to her bracelet. Gail then transitioned into her Public Relations position at the City of Calgary where she worked closely with the mayor and organized many events around the city, including being part of the ’88 Winter Olympics held at Canada Olympic Park. During her 25 year career at the City, Gail became mother to her only daughter, Kayleigh, who was her pride and joy throughout her life, and whom she raised on her own as a single mom.

Gail was the type of person who loved to keep herself busy and she was very artistic, even as a child. During her spare time she enjoyed creating her own Western clothing line, Gail Brookes Designs, and enjoyed selling her masterpieces in the Calgary Stampede and other community markets throughout the year.

During the last 7 years of her life Gail resided at the Dr. Vernon Fanning Centre in Calgary where she was able to touch many lives and made many new friends. Her favourite thing to do was participate in her weekly art class, and she proudly displayed several paintings and artworks at their recent art show. Gail was also learning to play the ukulele and enjoyed playing songs for her friends and family. She will always be remembered for her unwavering kindness and her loving heart. She was always full of joy and made everyone around her smile, touching many hearts. Gail will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her.

Gail is survived by her daughter Kayleigh Smith (nee: Brookes) and son-in-law Mitch Smith and grand-puppy Joey; step-daughter Elizabeth Brookes; two step-grandsons Nathanial Soderling and Erik Soderling; cousin Suzanne Dailey, her husband Ted Dailey and their son Kevin Dailey; plus many very close and dear friends. Gail was predeceased by her father, Robert Morrison and mother, Margaret Morrison.

There are no words to adequately thank the staff at the Carewest Fanning Centre, Unit 3W, her art teacher Eman, her good friend and roommate, Tania, and her life-long friend Sheila Kearns for all they have done in the care and support of Gail over the years.

Gail chose to be cremated and to have a Closed, Private Celebration of Life for immediate family and very close friends to be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 2:00 pm MST. For those who would like to participate in remembering and celebrating Gail, the service will be live streamed from the church’s website at www.stjamescalgary.com.

Gail loved animals and in lieu of flowers, a donation can be made on her behalf to the Alberta Society for the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals (Alberta SPCA) at https://www.albertaspca.org/support-us/one-time-gift.