Carole Ann GAILY

CAROLE ANN GAILY It is with mixed emotion that the family of Carole Gaily announce her peaceful passing on July 2, 2024, in her 89th year at home in Nanaimo.

Carole will be lovingly remembered by her husband Dean of 68 years. Beloved mother of Bruce (Joan McKinnell) and Meg. Grandmother to Jack Cochrane. Predeceased by her parents, Hugh C. Bates and Marjorie Crouch Bates.

Carole was born in Ashland. Oregon and grew up chiefly with her maternal grandparents in Medford, Oregon, where she graduated from high school. She attended Oregon State University where she met Dean on a blind date. After marrying in 1956 they moved to Los Angeles where they lived for several years and Bruce was born, then on to Seattle, where Meg was born. After a couple of years in Abingdon, England, the family settled in London, Ontario in 1970 where Dean joined the faculty of the Physics Department at UWO. Carole stayed at home raising Bruce and Meg before returning to work in administration at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, University and Children’s Hospitals in London. Dean and Carole wanted to return to the West Coast and when they retired in 1998, they spent a year in the lower mainland of B.C. before settling at their house with the 180-degree view of Georgia Strait in Nanaimo. They spent many happy years observing the nautical activity on the water, the many birds who visited their deck feeding station, and watching for the International Space Station as it travelled overhead (something Carole kept regular track of).

Carole was very artistic, and she expressed her creativity and incredible eye for colour through her glorious knitting projects. Many a loved one, friend and neighbour (as well as their children and grandchildren) was a grateful recipient of the numerous scarves, hats and gloves that came off her needles, not to mention the intricate lace shawls and unique sweaters. She will be missed by her friends in the knitting community in and around Nanaimo and at Mad About Ewe. She also loved cooking and gardening, as well as exploring the beaches of Vancouver Island, and visiting the birds and bears at the North Island Wildlife Rescue Association in Errington.

The family would like to thank the 4th floor staff of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and, in particular, the Nurse Next Door and Vancouver Island Health Authority staff, who helped care for her the past few months, as well as Dr. Javaheri and Dr. Towers for their compassionate care.

Cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life to occur at a later date. In memory of Carole, donation to a charity of your choice is appreciated.

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