Gail Templar Kaylor

Gail was born on August 16, 1936, in Alameda, California, to the late Maxine Templar McDonald (nee´ Belshe) and William F. McDonald. Gail was raised in San Diego with her brother, the late Bill McDonald. Gail graduated from San Diego High School and attended UC Berkeley before moving back to San Diego to raise her family of four children.

Aside from managing her busy family life, Gail enjoyed many varied interests. She enjoyed choral singing. She was part of a professional trio called “The Blue Belles” and performed with the Sweet Adelines and the Vista Hill Chorus. She was a skilled gardener, always surrounding herself with colorful flowers in every corner. She loved attending benefit galas of the San Diego social scene as much as she loved hiking and fishing in the lakes and streams of Mammoth and Wyoming. She played tennis, golf, and bridge - always with perfectly manicured nails - but also knew her way around a horse and saddle, both English and Western. She knitted, sewed, needlepointed, sketched and painted. She volunteered her time to serve her family and community with many organizations including Juniors of Social Service Auxiliary, SPRITES, Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas and Emma’s Thrift Store at Fredericka Manor in Chula Vista.

Whatever Gail was working on, one thing was the same - she loved people. Whether it was her San Diego High classmates, the Mount Helix moms, her colleagues from Price Club and Diversa, or her wonderful community of friends at Fredericka Manor, Gail could put anyone at ease with her smile, charm and humor.

Gail’s last few months were a testament to her inner strength and vitality. The family wishes to extend their thanks to Gail’s partner, Barry Jones, for his unwavering devotion, and to the staff at Fredericka Manor and Calstro Hospice who provided loving and comforting care in her final days.

Gail will be remembered for her sunny personality and zest for life.

Gail was predeceased by her daughter, Jill Templar Jackson. She is survived by her children, Shelley Goodwin Benoit (Joe), Kelly Goodwin Cantlen (John) and Patrick Mark Goodwin (Bridget). Gail is also survived by her grandchildren, Templar Fitzgerald, Shayna Lerner, Joseph Benoit (Hannah), Jack Benoit (Annika), Braden Cantlen, Madison Cantlen and Payton Goodwin, and great-granddaughter, Gena Clark.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gail’s memory to any of the following organizations: American Cancer Society. Vista Hills Chorus. Fredericka Manor Landscaping Committee.

Services will be private.