Gail Elizabeth Clairmont

With hearts breaking, we share the news of the death of Gail Elizabeth Clairmont, who left us Aug. 30, 2024, as a result of lung cancer. Gail was born June 11, 1939, in Chicago, the middle child of John and Elizabeth Wheeler. By her own admission, she thought herself destined to become either a nun or a nurse. How grateful we are she chose the second path, graduating as a “diploma nurse” from St. Bernard’s School of Nursing in 1960, then marrying Dick in 1961. That marriage, and deep love, was due to turn 63 in October of this year. Dick and Gail nurtured a family that includes daughters, Julie Donovan (Tom), Lisa Greseth (Tim), Beth Clairmont (Les); and son, John Clairmont (Lisa). Half-daughter, Bonnie Brookhart (Todd) added more love to the family. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren loved dearly by Gail include Christopher, Emily, Elizabeth, Sarah, Connor, Katie, Milo, Cade, Megan, Lauren, Carolyn, Dash, Oliver, Levi, and Margot. Gail was predeceased by her brother, John; and sister, Susan.

From 1961 on, Gail served as a nurse in the Chicago area, Billings, MT, and Vancouver, WA, retiring in 2004. She was a volunteer her whole life in a variety of settings, including Reach Out, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Hospice, Evergreen AIDS Response, Free Clinic of Southwest Washington, Meals on Wheels, School Backpack Program, Lunch Buddies, and Neighbors on Watch (Sheriff’s Auxiliary).