Gail Wuotila Obituary

Gail Wuotila

Resident of San Mateo

Gail Ream Wuotila was born in Morgantown West Virginia on February 22, 1948 and passed away on December 24, 2010 after a long illness. Her father was a mining engineer and her mother a nurse. She was the first of three children in the Ream family. She graduated from Morgantown High School in 1966 and from Presbyterian University Hospital in 1969 as a RN. Subsequently, she obtained an MBA degree from Golden Gate University Suma Cum Laude in 1981 while working at Kaiser Hospital. She pursued her dream to make a life in the West. She met her husband Mark Wuotila in San Francisco and married him shortly there after in 1977. She was a member of Saint Bart's Church in San Mateo CA.

Gail is preceded in death by her father Vincent Ream and survived by her husband, Mark, of San Mateo, her mother, Margaret of Collegedale, TN, and two brothers, Tom, of Memphis, TN, and Jeff, of Chattanooga, TN. She was a loving and devoted wife to Mark and achieved a successful career at Kaiser Hospital starting out as a staff nurse in the intensive care nursery and progressing to Director of Nursing. She loved to travel with her husband and they made many trips back to her home and around California. She loved swimming, reading, gardening and sewing. She had a deep and positive love for everyone and that love returned to her many fold from her husband, friends and fellow employees. Gail did not have children but became a favorite aunt to her many nieces and nephews who came often to visit her in California. Gail requested a simple burial involved with scattering of her ashes at sea. She will always be remembered for her compassion for others, her sharp intellect, sense of humor, and dedication to duty.

A Memorial Rosary will be held on Thursday 12/30 at 7 PM and a Memorial Mass on Friday 12/31, at 10 AM at St. Bart's, 300 Alameda de las Pulgas in San Mateo, CA 94402. Reception to follow. She will be interred in the mausoleum at SkyLawn in San Mateo, CA. and later her ashes scattered at sea.

Gail, rest in peace, your legacy of love and respect will live with us forever. Thank you for everything. How sweet it was.

Remembrances may be made in the memory of Gail to the Alzheimer's Association. SNEIDER & SULLIVAN & O'CONNELL'S FUNERAL HOME (650) 343-1804

www.ssofunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 29, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Gail Wuotila

13 Entries

Linda Groah

December 22, 2019

I think about Gail and the many acts of kindness she contributed to the work we were doing for patients and the staff at Kaiser in the Golden Gate area. Her words of wisdom and wit were unmatched and provide guidance for me today.

Kathryn Prince

January 9, 2011

My Dearest Gail,
Thank you for being my friend, for sharing yourself, for the ways you always included me in your life. I knew when we first met that you were special; not afraid of this life. You would jump in and help out; it was your nature. And when you found Mark and made your life together it was spectacular to watch. Two souls so nicely tied together. With love and fond remembrances I shall say good night.

Libby Street

January 1, 2011

I am so sad to learn of Gail's death. Still, I am heartened to know she is no longer burdened by the disease which took her from us long ago. My heart goes out to Mark, and I honor him for the way he cared for Gail during her illness.

My family moved to Wells Street in Morgantown WV when I was in 6th grade and Gail was in fourth. My family lived next door to the Reams until both Gail and I were long away from home. Gail was my dear friend. We played endlessly with paper dolls and did each others hair. Her youngest brother Jeff was my younger sister's good friend, and Gail's mom Peg attended the birth of my first child.

Although I have visited with Gail and Mark in their beautiful home in San Mateo, I remember Gail best as the young girl whom I adored and the beautiful woman she became. I have prayed for her often since Mark told me about her illness and continue to pray for Mark that his heart may be at peace.

Gail, you will remain in my heart and memories forever.

Deloras Jones

December 31, 2010

I am very saddened to hear about Gail's death, as well as her long struggle with her illness. Gail was a very important part of my life at Kaiser Permanente, especially during my tenure in San Francisco. She taught me what I needed to know about the intensive care nursery and nursing of high risk neonates in order for me to do my job. She was an important member of my leadership team when I was the chief nursing officer at SF Kaiser. My adminiration for her was tremendous. She will be greatly missed. Deloras Jones

Linda Groah

December 30, 2010

Gail was a great friend and mentor to me for many years. I will always remeber her kindness, wit and consistent reminder that patients always come first. Nursing has lost a great role model. My sincere sympathy Mark as you cope with Gail's untimely death.

Siri Wuotila

December 30, 2010

My favorite memory of my God Mother and Auntie Gail is our trips to the Farmer's Market, when my family and I would vacation down to California from Seattle. I remember warm summer afternoons, windows down in her VW, and tunes blasting as we drove to the market for fresh fruit and veggies. Walking the long rows of stands, I would point out different produce items and Gail would tell me what they were. As a young woman, taking trips to the market with just us girls was something I always thought fondly of, during the busy days of my college career in Washington.
Gail, thank you for spending time with me as a young girl, and being patient with my constant inquiry. You are truly missed!

December 30, 2010

My deepest condolences to Mark and the entire Ream family. Gail was a lovely aunt and a kind soul. She will be greatly missed. In loving memory, Kari Wuotila

December 30, 2010

I first met Gail in 1977 on a solo trip to San Francisco. She had a great presence of mind for everything going on around her, and particularly what Marky was up to. She once met me downtown at the airport bus station in her little red VW. It was one of our first meetings. It remains a clear picture in my mind because there was not much room for my piece of luggage as the rear seat was window-high with empty "Tab" cans, and you can bet that she also was sipping one while driving me to Mark and her's apartment. I remember how Mark was so proud of her renaissance abilities, how she was equally adept at developing the garden and yard, preparing delighful dinners such as Spanish Seafood Paella and pouring good wine. She also was a good seamstress and made a beautiful pink dress for her first niece, Kari, shortly after her birth. I never saw an unpleassant side of Gail. I guess that she never had one, even while she was scolding Mark for his misbehaviors. We had good times at the pool, in the hot tub, running around the town seeing sites and going to restaurants with the whole family and looking for trees and shrubs for the yard(s). They were all good times and we will always remember those great days with Gail. May God Bless and take care of our dear Gail.

Robert Wuotila with Karen, Kari, Matthew & Siri, Seattle

Judith Ream-Broadnax

December 29, 2010

Gail, you were the elder of us cousins, and yet you never pulled rank on us. You allowed Jeff & I to take a dip in the creek on a very cold Thanksgivinng Day.I remember the many times you made me comfortable having not so little feet. I am sure that our fathers are having a big party in that " CABIN" in the sky to welcome you. Would you please be sure to hug your Uncle Marlin & my Uncle Vince for me. And squeeze Aunt Ann & Granny Ream &Uncle Johnny And Uncle Pidge & Aunt Phyllis Tell Uncle Ted about all of us, I'm sure He.s had a few heavenly chuckles looking down on us. Watch over Mark, your mom & Tom & Jeffs families I know they will see you in every twinkling star & glorious sunrise. And tell God that we all need a little extra consideration .We Reams are a very special crew. I LOVE YOU Cousin Jude'

December 29, 2010

I am saddened by the news of Gails passing. I knew Gail for many years in the nursing leadership community and most recently at Kaiser Permanente. I will miss her dedication to nursing and her great witt and down to earth approach to problem solving. My thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time. Anita Zuniga

December 29, 2010

I will always remember our visit to your home on the bay and trying to get a peek at the shiek through the telescope. And times at "the cabin." Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Mark. Gail couldn't have found anyone better. Love, (cousin) Leslie and Family, Blairsville, PA

Gale Crooks

December 29, 2010

Gail is a very important person in my life. She influenced me enormously. I'm very sad about her death. Gale

Kathy Ream

December 28, 2010

we will miss you, Gail. I am so sorry that Eric, Jon-Michael and I can not be there this week. Love, Kathy

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results