Gail Radcliffe Brown

Gail Radcliffe Brown, 83, warmly nicknamed “Gigi,” passed away peacefully at Bay Village in Sarasota, Florida, with family nearby.

Born on February 5, 1942, in Summit, New Jersey, to Elizabeth C. and Fredrick E. Radcliffe, Gail grew up in Chatham and spent summers at the Lavallette, NJ shore. She graduated from Penn State University (BS) and worked in retail merchandising and then as an underwriter for Chubb & Son in New Jersey and Chicago.

In 1967, Gail married William P. Brown (Bill) in Short Hills, NJ. Together they raised two children in Arlington Heights, Illinois, where Gail’s lifelong devotion to community service emerged.

Once her children entered school, she served as president of the Arlington Heights Women’s Club, which provided scholarships, holiday gifts for those in need, and support for numerous local charities. As president of the Arlington Heights chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she championed causes in education and historical preservation at both the local and national level.

A proud member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority, Gail was honored with its Outstanding Alumnae Award in recognition of over 50 years of service. As president of the suburban Chicago Tri-Sigma Alumnae Council, she spent countless hours reading to children in hospitals and organizing community outreach.

After relocating to Sarasota, Gail continued her service as president of Encore, a branch of Newcomers, providing scholarships and holiday support for local families. She was also an active member of P.E.O., a philanthropic organization that supports educational advancement of women. Gail generously gave time to the Sarasota Orchestra for more than 20 years, as well as volunteering for the Florida Studio Theatre and Asolo Theater. She was a dedicated member of Faith Lutheran Church.

While Gail’s many contributions to community are remarkable, she will be most remembered for her kindness and gentle spirit. Gigi’s warmth, friendliness, and so-sweet demeanor left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Bill; her son, Todd Radcliffe Brown of Fresno, CA; her daughter, Karen Brown Garza (Lee) of New York City; two brothers, David W. Radcliffe of Warren, OH, and R. Keith Radcliffe (Josefina) of La Paz, Mexico; and her treasured granddaughter, Kyra M. B. Garza of New York City.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gail may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 7750 Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34238-2848

A memorial service to celebrate Gail’s life will be held in the fall of 2025.