Gail Lynn Frazer

Gail Lynn Frazer obituary, Minneapolis, MN

Gail Lynn Frazer

Gail Frazer Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 6, 2013.
Frazer, Gail Lynn who wrote under the pen name of "Margaret Frazer", passed away on Monday night at the age of 66. She is survived by her two sons, Justin Alexander and Seth Gupton; her loving daughters-in-law, and the enduring legacy of her award-winning and nationally bestselling novels and stories. Twenty years ago, Frazer's first novel - The Novice's Tale - was published the same summer that she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She published her twenty-fifth novel - The Circle of Witches - last December at a time when she was struggling with the fifth recurrence of the cancer. She fought long, she fought stubbornly, and she refused to be defined by the disease which ultimately claimed her life. In her work, she sought the unique pleasure of thoroughly exploring the otherwhen and otherwhere. Frazer grew up in Kewanee, IL, the daughter of Fred and Grace Brown. Her father was a labor attorney and later mayor; her mother was a proud homemaker. Frazer discovered a love of theater and her future husband with the Genesius Guild in Rock Island, IL. She appeared in theatrical productions throughout her life, including essentials roles on the Guthrie Stage and most recently as part of the Complete Readings of William Shakespeare with the American Shakespeare Repertory. She will be interred at Prairie Oaks Memorial Eco Gardens in Inver Grove Heights, MN, amidst the nature and vast open vistas that she loved so dearly during her life. On February 8th there will be a Visitation at 11 AM and a memorial service at 12 PM at the Fort Snelling Memorial Chapel (1 Federal Drive, Minneapolis). Donations in memorial to Heifer International. Crescent Tide Funeral Services www.crescenttide.com 651-315-8214

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

Sign Gail Frazer's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 31, 2023

Lisa Frieze posted to the memorial.

January 15, 2014

Anne Crowell posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2013

Jane Brody posted to the memorial.

Lisa Frieze

January 31, 2023

Ten years later I still mourn with you the far too early loss of a special soul. Twelve years after reading the first Dame Frevisse mystery, I am still praying the Divine Office daily. I will always remember Gail and thankful for the many hours of reading joy and my deepened spirituality that I owe to her.

Anne Crowell

January 15, 2014

I grieve with you at the loss of such a
bright light in this world. The beauty of her soul will live on in her incred-ible body of wonderful work.

Jane Brody

December 28, 2013

These modest books with great insights into a spiritual life are a gift to all of us.

Merle Chambers

November 3, 2013

I hope it is of comfort to realize how many lives she touched. I loved Dame Frevisse and was anxiously awaiting a new book. I am so sorry to read of her death. She was a wonderful, erudite writer and will be much missed. Thank you for sharing her with us.

October 28, 2013

My sincere sympathy on the loss of your mother and fine author. I too was born in Illinois--Pekin--not far from Kewanee, and now live in Minnesota where I became familiar with the wonderful Sister Frevisse series. I will miss it very much.

My condolences.

Lynn Couch (Minnesota)

Sylvia Betz

July 31, 2013

I just learned of Gail's passing yesterday. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to her family and friends on this tremendous loss. I discovered the Dame Frevisse mysteries and then the Joliffe stories several years ago. Gail had such a wonderful talent of bringing her characters and history to life. It's become an annual tradition for me to re-read all the Dame Frevisse books. Dame Clair, Sr. Thomasine, Domina Edith and Thomas and Alice Chaucer could be revisited as I eagerly awaited the publication of the next book in the series. I will continue this tradition as Gail was one of my favorite mystery authors. She will continue to live on in her wonderful books. May God hold her in His loving arms.

Anne Curry

July 31, 2013

I have loved all of your mother's books- she had a great talent. I am sure you have very happy memories of her to comfort you now, and her memory for we readers will live on in her fiction.

July 6, 2013

I'm a French reader and admirer of Madame Gail Lynn Frazer and I'm very sad , upset to learn just today that she passed away in February. I love her books and mother Frevisse will miss us.made some fantastic trips to the Middle Ages through books and mother Frevisse.She will be greatly missed.I think of his family and friends.French readers will always love you madame.sorry my English isn't good. Jacques

Iris Rodriguez

June 29, 2013

I just started reading Mz. Frazer's books and wanted to tell her how much I enjoy the continuation of each story. My condolences to you and I hope she does know how much I enjoy her books. R.I.P, GAIL

Katy Hair

June 21, 2013

I just went online to see when the next book would be published by "Margaret Frazer" and was stunned to learn of her death. I had just purchased my first E-book (hers of course) and told my husband that I wanted those books that I had missed in the series for my birthday. Her books were recommended to me by a fellow fan of British mysteries several years ago.

Words cannot express how sorry I am for you as a family to not have her physically in your life anymore. I lost both my brother & sister-in-law unexpectedly last year (the same age as Gail) and I can understand your loss. Please remember her love and the good memories, as those of us who loved her spirit through her books will keep her in our hearts and prayers as well.

Margaret De Castro

May 7, 2013

I've only just learned of your mother's passing. I have loved her books and have read every one. I found that her historical fiction was imbued with a sense of spirituality lacking in so many other books of the same genre. I was looking forward so much to another Frevisse or Joliffe. Guess I'll just have to read all her works over once again.

Margaret de Castro, Montreal, Canada

Gloria Tiller

April 30, 2013

Gail will be missed at the Medieval Congress this year. I am fortunate to have met her a couple years ago. I know that her books will be remembered, but people will also remember the strong author behind the tiles too.

Margaret Bergeron

April 7, 2013

Your mom saw me repeatedly through some very dark hours.
My tears upon learning of her brave fight keep on in gratitude for her written
legacy for us all.

April 4, 2013

Dear Frazer family,
What a great loss for you who loved her as a mother or sister. It is also a loss for those of us who loved her as a creator of a unique doorway through which we could enter the past and see it as clearly before us as if we had been born in those times. Her stories were fascinating; her prose was rich; her characters were so real. Thank God for her life and her talent.
With sincere appreciation,
A devoted reader in Massachusetts.

Shirley Corbin

March 24, 2013

I've read all in the Dame Frevesse series and always eagerly awaited the next book. Her books were such a joy. I will miss them.

Catherine Ladolcetta

March 15, 2013

Having only recently discovered your mother's wonderful books, I am sorry her struggles were so severe. I can say with great joy that I will continue to explore the medieval world she opened to me with such vibrant detail that I feel I have been living beside Frevisse. I will miss the books that were still to come, though; perhaps she will help someone else write them. God bless you, her family..and a large "Thank you" to you, Gail.

February 24, 2013

I knew Gail first in junior high school. She later convinced me to try my hand at acting in Genesius Guild (Alas! Only bit parts.). We were friends, very good friends, for a special time in my life. I later enjoyed reading her novels, seeing her youthful dreams in becoming an author come true.

Jean King

February 20, 2013

Sincere sympathy to all Gail Frazer's family. I have greatly enjoyed all her books, and will miss Dame Frevisse and Joliffe. (Now I will never know his real name!) These are books for frequent rereading, transporting the reader into a real place and time. May her soul rest in peace.

J Daniel

February 19, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother's writings brought me great joy as I escaped into her otherwhen and otherwhere, a time and perspective the love of which we shared. Her legacy and inspiration live on in the hearts of all of us she influenced and, like me, who waited with great impatience and anticipation her latest stories of favorite characters who with her telling became part of our own family. Sadness...

Summer 1966

Bob Holcomb

February 19, 2013

Thank you for the time we shared, all the smiles you gave, the sparkle in your eyes, your caring, and the things you taught me. I bid you a very fond farewell, My Lady.

Margaret S.

February 19, 2013

This wonderful, erudite and brave lady added so many hours of enjoyment to me and others. Blessings in her memory, just as she blessed us with her work.

Connie Walker

February 19, 2013

I am so saddened to hear of Gail Frazer's passing. Although I only knew her through her wonderful books, I feel like I've lost a dear friend. My deepest condolences to her sons and family.

February 18, 2013

Condolences...from a reader and SCA member

Patty Habersberger

February 17, 2013

I am so saddened to read of her death. I have every one of her books, and I reread them frequently. I am so grateful to have read them.

Lisa Frieze

February 16, 2013

I was so shocked and saddened to hear of Gail's passing. I never had the privilege of communicating with her, but it has certainly been a privilege to read her books. I first discovered her books in June of 2011 during a difficult time in my life, and her books made all the difference. It is no exaggeration to say that she changed my life. Her Dame Frevisse books reminded me of all I loved about the Benedictine way of life and brought me peace and comfort, and inspired me to begin praying the Divine Office. I am so sorry that I never thanked her while she was still with us, but I hope she knows now. I know that she is now enjoying the peace and joy and comfort she brought to so many of us, magnified immeasurably. And I hope that her sons find comfort in knowing how much she and her work are cherished. My deepest condolences on your loss.

Christine Pattison

February 15, 2013

I have been a fan of Gail (Margaret) Frazer's ever since I first stumbled upon a Sister Frevisse in our local library. Since then, I have read many more & enjoyed them all. My deepest condolences to your family at such a sad time. Your talent will be greatly missed.

Carmen Butcher

February 15, 2013

She is much and deeply mourned. Her generosity of soul was unforgettable.

Eleanor Jones

February 13, 2013

I feel that I have lost a great friend, having read Gail Frazer's books for years. God bless the family and please let me tell you how much joy the books brought me during tough times of my own. She was very special.

Faria Sokdeo

February 13, 2013

What a great loss! I had the honor of meeting Gail a few years ago when I spent a week with her. She was an amazing woman, brilliant, warm, and so in touch with nature and life.
My deepest sympathy to her sons (she spoke about them very often) and to the rest of the family. May she rest in peace.

Cheryl Nix

February 12, 2013

Gail was a year ahead of me at WHS, her parents friends of my parents, and her accomplishments and integrity always shining and guiding those of us who looked up to her. I am truly proud of all she has done for our world. Condolences not only for her family and friends, but for her many fans: a true loss for the literary world.

Maria Elisa Nalegach

February 11, 2013

My deepest sympathy to Mrs Frazer's family. From far away in Chile I enjoyed her books. She will be greatly missed but also lovingly remembered.

Gale Robins

February 11, 2013

Gail and I were classmates in Wethersfield Schools through high school. I have fond memories of a short dramatization of the witches' scene from Macbeth with Gail and another classmate. I am not surprised at all by the path she chose in life nor to hear of her success and courage. May the peace of the Lord be always with her. Gale Lynne Landis Robins

K.B. Owen

February 10, 2013

I never had the privilege of meeting Ms. Frazer, but her books brought me much joy, as well as inspiration for my own writing. Please accept my condolences for your loss during this difficult time.

In Sympathy,
Kathy Owen

Daphne Sayed

February 10, 2013

I met Gail on the Crime Through Time site and we later'talked' on Facebook.I had hoped she'd make it to England.My thoughts are with you her family.

Claudia D'Aquin

February 9, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss. I am also a Facebook friend of Gail's, after being a fan of her books for several years. I am honored to have gotten to know her in just this small way. She will be greatly missed.

Annie Gordon

February 9, 2013

She will be so missed. I am grateful to have read her books. So sorry for your loss.

Linda Kulzer

February 8, 2013

Gail Frazer was so right on when she wrote about Benedictine nuns. I am so grateful for her friendship. S. Linda Kulzer, OSB

February 8, 2013

Gail was a dear friend. She really understood Benedictine Monastic life. Her novels were right on about the life of Catholic Sister. Sister Linda Kulzer, OSB

Zachary Potchinsky

February 8, 2013

Beautiful grace in action, warm and witty, deeply loving, strong, fiercely independent, wise, good-humored, welcoming, genuine, impressionable, kind, contagiously engaging, fundamentally profound, exceptionally open and curious, defiantly lovable, preciously unadorned, unbounded creativity, highly functioning sense of irreverence and appropriate disdain for the inane and plainly stupid, generously inclusive and lover of all things naturally edifying...
Gail wielded the sword of life with majesty and discernment fitting of royalty.

May her loved ones be forever blessed and ensouled by the love she brought into a world in dire need of her gifts...

Jean Lindsay

February 8, 2013

I'd like to add my condolences to all the family and friends of Gail Frazer. I came to know her through the International Conference on Medieval Studies, which is held every year in May at Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was a beautiful, intelligent, strong, and funny woman who touched the lives of all who knew her. I am so glad she gave us so many wonderful stories and characters to remember her by. May you rest in peace, dear Gail, and eternal light shine upon you.

Stu Naber

February 8, 2013

One of the last times I saw Gail was at a staged reading of Macbeth, where she was playing one of the Banquo's murderers (Justin, her son, was playing the Scottish king). After gleefully taking part in the onstage mayhem, offstage, she criticized her technique. “What I really should have done is gotten him up under the ribs,” she said, “That overhand attack would never have worked.” That is how I will remember her, joyfully dedicated to her family, to her art, and to her friends. Farewell, friend.

February 8, 2013

She raised an amazing son. Even though I did not know her, she lived a great life.

jean mcdonald

February 8, 2013

So sad for my wonderful nephews at the loss of their mother...

February 7, 2013

She was a lady of grace, intelligence, humour, and wisdom. The world is diminished by this loss.

Helen Hartman

February 7, 2013

I a so sorry to hear the very sad news. She was a very brave lady. I have been a loyal reader from the very first . I will miss her.

jane dawson

February 7, 2013

Your light will continue to shine in our hearts and minds. Hope that our promised "otherworld" has greeted you with His love all around, and plenty of books to share and enjoy FOREVER. Until we meet again, you have been well-loved.

BERNETE RATZLAFF

February 7, 2013

I was very happy to be Gail's neighbor and friend...She always had a very up beat attitude. Love you.....

Susan Ashton

February 7, 2013

I first met Gail at Beloit College in 1967, and I have cherished our long friendship ever since. She tackled her struggles as an author and against cancer with courage, determination, and humor. She was such a wonderful person. I will miss her very much. My sincere condolences to Justin, Seth, their families, and all who mourn her passing.

Stephen Fryer

February 7, 2013

She will be greatly missed by all those who came to love her stories, as well as by her friends and family.

Tess Kean

February 7, 2013

She was a wise, wonderful, and woeful woman. There are no right words to tell you how sorry I am. I will fondly remember the great conversations we had together

Rosanne Hughes

February 7, 2013

Your life was a light that brought comfort and warmth to many

Cynthia Si John

February 7, 2013

Gail fought long and hard against cancer and kept writing such wonderful books. She is one of my heroes and I will always keep her books on my shelves. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Gail was one in a billion and she touched so many lives. Thank you to Gail's family for sharing her strength, courage and her stories with all of us.

Sanda Spiegel

February 6, 2013

My sincere condolences to all who were touched by Gail Frazer, who so many of us knew and loved as Margaret Frazer. The middle ages and the wonderful characters of Joliffe and Frevisse Gail peopled the time with have brought richness to the lives of many. Gail will be sorely missed.

Anne Griffin-Lewin

February 6, 2013

Gail was one of the most beautiful and elegant women I have ever known. She did me the inestimable service of introducing me to the man who became my husband.

Linda Hardbarger

February 6, 2013

Your loss to the world of literature will be much felt. Your loss to your family will be even greater.
My deepest condolences to your sons and their families.

Rosanne Hughes

February 6, 2013

I feel as if I have lost a good friend although I never had the privilege of meeting Gail. I started reading her Dame Frevisse novels several years ago and they quickly became my all time favorite novels. Just recently I contacted Gail on facebook with an idea for a new Dame Frevisse story. I was SO happy when she answered me and indicated that she might use my suggestion. Gail you touched my life and the lives of so many others. The world is a sadder place now. May God hold you always in His hands and may you rest in peace.

Stephanie Hill

February 6, 2013

My sincere condolences go out to her family and friends. She was one of my favorite authors and her books brought me many hours of laughter, peace and comfort in the hours during my own crises. With a heart full of thanks, I say “Rest in peace. You will be missed.”

February 6, 2013

We have lost a brave woman who taught us all about courage and laughter. But she left us her books for comfort. Thank you, Gail, for the light you brought to the world.

Dee Dee Smith

February 6, 2013

I did not know Gail personally, but she touched me through all of her exceptional writings and her enthusiasm for history. I will miss looking forward to new works, but will take consolation in re-reading her earlier works. She will be telling celestial tales now.

Jo Koster

February 6, 2013

It was such a pleasure getting to know Gail thru e-mail and our shared love for drama, especially medieval drama. She very generously made the entire manuscript of "A Play of Heresy" available prepublication to me because I wanted to write an article on Joliffe; I'm glad she was able to see the article in print. She will be so much missed by all of us who so enjoyed her company, both in person and online. Sending prayers and sympathies to her family and other friends. St Genesius welcome you to the great Stage Beyond.

Kristie Dean

February 6, 2013

I am so sorry. Thinking of your family.

Karen B.

February 6, 2013

I didn't know Gail personally. I'm just one of many of her fans who not too long ago discovered her Sister Frevisse series. And then I discovered we both had dealt with cancer. She will be greatly missed. But her books will live on and bring joy to more history fans. And the courage and honesty she showed in facing cancer will continue to be an inspiration. My condolences to her family.

Joanne Grant

February 6, 2013

She opened up worlds for me through the world she created.

Dan Bennett

February 6, 2013

I will always remember and cherish our family gatherings as we grew up together.

Lin Jenkins

February 6, 2013

"The room became full of soft shadows beyond the gentle, rich, golden glow of the candles." Rest in the Light, dearest Gail.

Sherron Lux

February 6, 2013

How Gail will be missed: her courage, her bright spirit, her books, her friendship. She is a continued inspiration (although the Medieval Conference at Western Michigan U in Kalamazoo won't be the same without her). Rest in peace, beautiful woman; you've earned it! God bless family and friends.

Harold Johnson

February 6, 2013

It was a pleasure to know Gail as a friend and neighbor. I will always treasure the books that she wrote and the many she gave me. I will miss our conversations.

Deirdre Featherstone

February 6, 2013

Gail befriended me on Facebook as I too am going through Cancer. What a lovely lady and I am so proud that she became my friend and am so so sorry to hear that she has left you.

Angela Bliss

February 6, 2013

Gail was a wonderful person and I will miss her company at the medieval conference so much. I consider myself fortunate to have met her and considered a friend. She was truly a gem of a person.

Robin Agnew

February 6, 2013

It was a privilege to know Gail throughout her career - I met her first at Magna Cum Murder when NOVICE'S TALE had just been published. Through the years she visited our bookstore many times, sharing her love of history, writing and her sweet self. I became a huge fan of her writing and enjoyed watching her blossom more with each book. She will be missed in every way, and I only hope she is having a chat with Richard III on the other side at this very moment. Godspeed, dear Gail.

Showing 1 - 70 of 70 results

Make a Donation
in Gail Frazer's name

How to support Gail's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Gail Frazer's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Gail Frazer's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 31, 2023

Lisa Frieze posted to the memorial.

January 15, 2014

Anne Crowell posted to the memorial.

December 28, 2013

Jane Brody posted to the memorial.