Gail L. Richardson

LEWISTON -- Gail L. Richardson, 61, of Irene Street, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at her home.

She was born in Rochester, N.H., on Aug. 20, 1949, the daughter of John and Lorraine (Dube) Richardson.

Gail graduated from Spaulding High School in Rochester in 1968 and later from the University of New Hampshire in 1972. She had worked for the state of New Hampshire, Department of Human services before moving to Montreal for two years. She returned to Somerville, Mass.. to work for Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. in Boston for 12 years before moving once again to Florida in 1990 to work as a CNA in the Ocala area. She returned to Lewiston in 1998 and was employed as a residential caregiver at Dirigo House in Lewiston.

Gail enjoyed swimming and being the family photographer. She was a very kind and generous person who would do anything to help anyone in need. She maintained a very strong and positive attitude during her most recent illness.

Gail was an animal lover, especially of her four cats Sammy, Buddy, Mitzi and Moxie, who she loved dearly.

She was predeceased by her mother, Lorraine Richardson, in 2003.

She is survived by her father, John Richardson, of Lewiston; a sister, Jill Hastings, and her husband, the Rev. Stephen Hastings, of Mount Vernon; a niece, Lauren Hastings, and a nephew, Damon Hastings, both of Portland; many aunts, uncles, cousins, step-brothers and -sisters.

There will be no visiting. A celebration of Gail's life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 19 at Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. Burial will occur in Pine Grove Cemetery in Barrington, N.H., on Saturday at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Maine Leukemia Foundation, 321 Wilson Pond Road, North Monmouth, ME 04265.

Condolences to the family may be sent to www.khrfuneralhomes.com.