Gail Thompson

Gail Ann (Torrey) Thompson, 70, of Bonita Springs, FL and Glastonbury, CT, beloved wife of Russell Thompson of 49 years passed away peacefully at her home with her family at her side on March 22, 2012 after a short courageous battle with cancer. Gail was the loving daughter of the late Paul and Dorothy(Cox) Torrey. She was born in Bangor, Me on November 25, 1941 and spent her early years in New Britain. After graduation from New Britain High School, she attended Central and worked as an engineering assistant at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft for about 3 years before marrying Russ in August 1963, and settled in Glastonbury where they raised their 4 children. Gail was a very dedicated Mom and was active in the children's school and sports activities. She was an active memberof the PTO at Eastbury Elementary School as well as the Booster Club at the High school. She always enjoyed going to their many sports activites and spent many hours at the Glastonbury Hill's swim team and Junior golf events, Hartwell soccer away tournaments and High School tennis, swimming, golf, soccer and hockey events. Gail enjoyed being a Hartford Whaler season ticket holder for many years. Gail was a devoted Nana to her grandchildren. She loved to shop with and for them. Nana truly enjoyed the one on one time with each one of them whether baking cookies or playing games, attending many of the granchildren's school and sporting events, and picking berries or golfing. She especially treasured seeing their interactions when they are all together at the same time. After retirement, she and Russ created many fond memories of trips to Italy, the Grand Canyon, the California wine country and several golf resorts. They decided to become Florida residents about 14 years ago and built a home at Spanish Wells in Bonita Springs, but still spent the summer months in Glastonbury in the home they maintained for 48 years. Gail loved to cook, entertain and golf. She was long time member of Glastonbury Hills and a member of the Spanish Wells Country Club. She very much loved the social aspects of golf and was a fierce competitior when it came to tournament and cup play at both Clubs. Gail was instrumental in keeping the Father's Day Family golf Tournament for 35 years involving three generations and looking forward to each year as the younger grandchildren began to participate.

In addition to her loving husband, Gail is survived by her son Russell Thompson Jr. and his wife Theresa of Portland, CT: daughter Carrie Rickard and her husband Steve of Huntersville, NC; daughter Amy Balda and her husband Robert of East Hampton, CT; son Paul Thompson and his wife Kristin of Huntersville, NC. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Caroline, Madeleine and John Thompson of Portland, CT; Torrey and Lily Rickard of Huntersville, NC; Eric Menchel of Wallingford, CT, Sarah and Robert Balda of East Hampton, CT and Annie, Mary and Andrew Thompson of Huntersville, NC. Also her brother Richard Torrey and his wife Karen of McCormack, SC and unity, ME; her loving sister Sondra Gourdeau and her husband Robert of Leominister, MA. She also leaves several neices and nephews as well as her many good friends from her high school days, life long friends from Glastonbury and her dear friends from the Spanish Wells community.

A Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, March 26, 2012 at 10AM, at The Congregational Church South Glastonbury, 949 Main St., South Glastonbury, CT 06073. Please meet at church. Burial will follow in Neipsic Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Sunday, March 25th, from 5 to 8 PM at the Glastonbury Funeral Home, 450 New London Tpk., Glastonbury, CT 06033.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, 5526 West 13400 South, #510, Salt Lake City, Utah 84096 or to [email protected].