Gail Arlene (Brigden, Ballantyne) Ito

Gail Arlene Ito passed away peacefully in her sleep just after midnight on Sept 6, 2022 in White Rock, BC. Born in Kisbey Saskatchewan, Gail grew up on a farm with her brother Greg and her parents Bert and Kay Brigden. They later moved to town with her younger brothers Kevin and Kim Brigden. She moved to Regina as a young woman and worked in banking prior to becoming a teacher in 1976.

Gail was often taking classes at the University of Regina, and for many years worked towards her Bachelor of Education, and then attained her master's degree in 1989, all while working full-time. She also studied at the University of Washington, in 1986, along with her husband Jack Ito completing her degree shortly after. She began teaching at Sherwood School in Regina and went on to teach at many other schools in the district, including MacLeod, Argyle and Massey School. She proudly became a Vice-Principal which she remained until her official retirement in 2011.

Gail was always full of joie de vivre, loved to laugh and had a wry sense of humour. Over the years I heard her referred to as the 'cool mom', forever friend and favourite teacher ever. In her retired years she loved her time in Palm Springs golfing with her partner Oliver Bensen (Beni), quilting, and spending time with her granddaughters Isabella and Chloe.

She was pre-deceased by her parents, Bertram Brigden and Kathleen Brigden and former husband Stewart Ballantyne. She is survived by her daughter Scarlett Ballantyne (Jean-Paul Grondin), granddaughters Isabella and Chloe Grondin, brothers, Greg Brigden, Kevin Brigden and Kim Brigden (Melinda), partner Oliver Bensen, nieces Trisha Brigden, Sienna Brigden and nephew Sean Brigden and former husband Jack Ito. Her two granddaughters, Isabella and Chloe were the light of her life, and she enjoyed taking them to activities, sleepovers, lunch dates and being a very involved Grandma.

Gail faced ovarian cancer with fight and bravery, choosing to keep her illness private from most, and soldiering on. Her last months were spent in Peace Arch Lodge Melville Hospice where she received amazing care right up until her passing. She didn't want a funeral service but rather, asked that we celebrate. We know that she is now toasting with cheap white wine (with ice!) with her best friend Wesley Anderson.

Please raise a glass and toast...to Gail.