Gail Elizabeth Bonifay

Born on March 15, 1938, in Washington, D.C., Gail spent much of her childhood moving from place to place as the daughter of a career Army officer. During World War II, while her father served in the South Pacific, Gail, her mother, and her sister moved from Little Rock, Arkansas, to Waterbury, Connecticut, where they lived with her grandparents.

While living in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Gail met her future husband, Isaac F. “Buck” Bonifay, in high school. Though they would not marry until years later, after both had finished college, theirs was a love that found its way back. Gail graduated with honors from Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 1960 and began her career teaching junior high English in San Diego, California. She and Buck were later married in the chapel at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and together built a life centered on family, love, and shared adventure.

Gail was a devoted mother to her two sons, Brad and Brett, and was proud to welcome her daughters-in-law, Karen and Rhonda, into the family. She was also a loving grandmother to six grandchildren, each of whom brought her great joy.

While Buck attended the Command and General Staff College, Gail discovered the art of tole painting, which became one of the great joys of her life. Her talent, creativity, and love of folk art led to deep friendships and lasting recognition, including her election as President of the National Society of Tole & Decorative Painters.

Gail will be remembered for her quick wit, wisdom, creativity, and wonderful sense of humor. She had a way of making people laugh, feel at ease, and feel loved. She will be deeply missed by her family, her friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.