Gail Isaksen

Gail Jacobsen Isaksen was born on April 19, 1945 to Leif and Margaret Jacobsen. She attended Fairhaven Public Schools and later La Salle Jr College and SMU ( now UMASS Dartmouth) where she graduated as Valedictorian of her class. Her first position after graduating from college was at Pawtucket Memorial Hospital, where she directed the phlebotomy lab.

Above all, Gail loved her family: her husband Arne of 55 years; her children Julie and Max and his wife Karen, her grandchildren Cody, Brendan, Luke, Kathryn and James, as well as her sisters Sonja Sovik and Christina De Villiers who will now carry on Gail's legacy. We were so blessed to have shared in her life.

Gail was business oriented and opened several businesses in Fairhaven: The Euro Ship Store, The Euro Phoenix Store, and Margaret's Restaurant. These establishments not only provided Fairhaven residents with places to shop and eat but also served as destinations for tourists and summer residents. She later purchased the Fairhaven Shipyards, both North and South.

Gail took pride in being a lifelong resident of Fairhaven. Her love of the the town was evident in her generosity to countless community organizations and in her community service. She always worked diligently and consistently as a pillar in the community and helped her beloved town in so many quiet ways. She was dedicated to the Fairhaven Historical Society's mission to preserve Fairhaven's history. Over the years she acquired, preserved, and maintained many historic homes for rental properties. She was also passionate about animals and supported the Fairhaven Animal Shelter. Rarely did she leave home without a pocketful of dog treats to share with any dog as she encountered them throughout the day.

Gail was also a talented athlete who participated in many sports over her lifetime. She especially enjoyed playing tennis and running the streets of Fairhaven.

Gail was one of a kind. Although modest and quiet-spoken, she lived her life on her own terms and seemed as if there was nothing she couldn't do. She was known and respected for being a person of character and integrity and living by the values she believed in; hard work, honesty, compassion and generosity. She touched the lives of many and left her mark in both big and small ways.

She faced her illness with her silent Viking strength, a true warrior to the end. Now she can rest in sweet heavenly peace with her indelible light shining on those who knew and loved her.

Gail's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00PM in the Fairhaven High School gymnasium. Relatives and friends are invited. To leave a note of condolence: www.waring-sullivan.com