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N. Gail Conner Kelihe Jones

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Mount Holyoke College Seattle University

FUNERAL HOME

Tuell-McKee Funeral Home - Tacoma

2215 Sixth Avenue

Tacoma, Washington

N. Jones Obituary

N. Gail Conner Keliher Jones 1931 - 2004 After a brief struggle with cancer, Gail passed away peacefully on December 6, 2004. She will be greatly missed by family, friends and colleagues. Gail was born to Will & Maxine Conner on November 7, 1931 in Seattle, WA. She went on to graduate from Annie Wright School in 1949. She attended Mount Holyoke College her freshman year, then transferred her sophomore year to the University of Puget Sound. While attending UPS, she planned her wedding to the love of her life, Al Keliher, on August 10, 1951. This union produced five wonderful children. When Al died suddenly in 1973, Gail was in the midst of completing her Bachelor's Degree at the University of Puget Sound, which she completed in 1974. She then went on to complete her Master's Degree in Religious Education at Seattle University in 1978. Gail's lifelong studies enabled her to work and travel the world, befriending many people along the way. She set out to put her degrees, knowledge and passion to work at the Diocese of Olympia. Her path then lead her to Tennessee where she was Director of Education for Ministry (EFM) at the University of the South School of Theology. She made the decision to return to Tacoma and continued with EFM as a facilitator. Her life journey of spiritual direction led her to create her own place, called "The Upper Room" which was embraced and enjoyed by many. This brief glimpse of Gail's life does not do justice to her true effect on people's lives worldwide. Gail was a true force of good. Gail is survived by her children, James, William, Lewis (Annette), Michael (Sue) and Patricia (Michael); her grandchildren, Jason, Courtney, Alexis, Ian, Conner, Ashley and Britney; her sister Sharon (Bob) Van de Velde and her nieces and nephews. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, December 18, 2004 at 2 p.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Tacoma. For further information call Tuell-McKee Funeral Home at 272-1414. In lieu of flowers, you may make a contribution to the Gail Conner Keliher Jones Fund in care of Christ Episcopal Church, 310 North K, Tacoma, WA 98403. Proceeds from the fund will assist adults wishing to pursue Christian education through Education for Ministry (EFM).

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Dec. 11, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for N. Jones

26 Entries

Helen Tester

January 6, 2005

I,too, knew Gail through the EFM network. One of my greatest delights in going to Sewanee was knowing that Gail would be there to greet me. Often she would say, "come a little early, so we can visit." That was an invitation to the best in 'hospitality.' Her gentle warmth, infectious laugh and delight in people made one feel at home. I will miss her, but will hold close that sense that when I was with Gail, I was at home. Thank you for sharing her with us.

Peggy Carman Anderson

December 27, 2004

I've just heard my dear friend has died and I am so very sad! She was a wonderful pal and friend for many years, beginning in the 60's when we were at Brown's Pt. I did not know of her illness but I am relieved that her pain is over. My love and prayers to all 5 of you!! Jim and Sue also send prayers and love.

Dianna Home

December 18, 2004

Rob and I are not able to come to Gail's memorial today because our family is celebrating Christmas Eve. We met Gail through Angela Donovan, who fondly called Gail her Tacoma mother. We had the opportunity to have many gatherings with Gail, at our house, at her house and the wonderful sushi parties when we all danced. I loved our spiritual discussions and always learned from her. We loved hearing about you kids and grandkids and loved all the pictures at her house. We are missing her for you. My dad died suddenly on September 9th so we too are trying to move on without one of our biggest players. Blessings to all of her kids. Rob and Dianna Home

Michael Cunningham

December 18, 2004

I will miss Gail terribly. She and I regularly would train together in Northern California...she would do a formation, I would take the basic...and then we would switch the next time. She was a good trainer, a good person, and a good friend...and the world is now absent a person who sort of set the standard for what good is all about. Gail had an infectious laugh that lit up a room, and I will be missing that for a long time. She was also my tango partner at the last two EFM Trainer's conventions/gatherings and I reckon we will have to have a tango in her honor at the next one. I share your sense of loss and I am sorry your mother has left you...please know that many of us feel a great sense of loss as we struggle with understanding just how much we loved your mother too.

Chris Brennan

December 17, 2004

Gail was my friend and colleague from the time that I lived and worked in Sewanee and for all the years after through our EFM trainers' connection. Our last lengthy conversation was just a couple of months ago and in the course of it we laughed alot as we always did when we were together. She loved her family, her grandchildren and always had a large heart for her friends. She also had a clear vision, saw and spoke the truth, and leaves a legacy of theological knowledge and intelligence. My prayers and heart are with her family - please know that many of us carry her with us in our hearts and she will always be remembered well.

Chris Brennan

Ann Wafer

December 16, 2004

For several years Gail has been one of the trainers for EFM that was held at Thomas the Apostle Center. Alway, kind, open, friendly and with an inner glow that was hard to miss. What a lovely Godly person. To all of those who knew and love her: sorry for your loss.

Johnna Camp

December 16, 2004

Gail was such a beautiful person and gifted educator. I lament the fact that I only had a few years to know her. However, the lessons and legacy she leaves will live on far beyond her short life. The EFM network and thousands of lives have been touched through her gracious giving of herself. I pray God's peace and love will uphold all who are grieving her loss.

Debbie Shrum

December 16, 2004

I have known Gail for 10+ years. I worked for her when I first started at the EFM Office. She was truly a special lady. In our last conversation before she left Sewanee, her remark to me was "this shall pass and you will understand". I think now maybe I do. Gail kept me updated on her grandchildren, they were so special to her. We will miss you Gail but your legacy lives on.

Mary Tom Watts

December 16, 2004

Gail and I were EFM training colleagues, which technically falls under the category of work, I suppose, but being with Gail always felt like play. Bright, open, honest and loving, Gail was a treasured friend. I will miss her so, so much.

Margaret Minis

December 15, 2004

When I last saw Gail she had a necklace with two tiny tango shoes. I am so glad that she found this joy. I give thanks for the joy she brought to others

Lisa Gilliam

December 14, 2004

Gail was a true friend of mine. I worked closely with her when she was here in Sewanee. I was working as her assistant when her mother passed away and she was so sad. Now, each time she visited Sewanee, we would have a special lunch and catch up on things since we last met. I will never forget her first visit back after she had moved back to WA. She was telling me all about her "tango lessons!" She was so excited! We always left our conversations open ended so we could pick up where we left off at our next meeting. Gail was a special friend of mine and I loved her very much. I have a special place in my heart that she filled and the memories can never be erased. I feel truly honored just to have known such a beautiful person. I will thank God every time I think of her.

Martha Gilliam

December 14, 2004

Several years ago, I first came into contact with Gail through a telephone interview for alternative training when she worked at Sewanee and I was a mentor for EFM. Since then, I have come to know her through several other training events. She has been a role model and inspiration to me. I send my heart felt sympathy to her family.

Sue Hurn

December 14, 2004

My sincere condolences to Gails family and friends. It has been some years since I was with Gail, but I remember her wit, smile, and graciousness. She did trainings in Virginia when I was there. When I had a conference to attend in Tacoma, she was a wonderful "tour director" for my friend and me, taking us many places and just having a good time. She was a delightful person. May she enjoy this next part of the journey free from pain.

Candice Corrigan

December 14, 2004

"This trainer can make lemonade out of my lemons!" I thought when I first met Gail in Idaho in September. What a gift she had for mentoring us mentors in her plain-speak that was both direct and gentle. Opening our training packet we found handouts that were real gems -- things she had written just for the September training that brought clarity to the task and her significant intellect and experience to the table and also treasures that the most ardent collectors among us had not seen (another trainer commented, "I want copies of those!") As a role model, Gail's wisdom and vision will continue to enliven and focus my efforts as an EfM mentor -- each time I refer to one of her handouts or think about how she would have word-smithed a response, her presence will be there widening the circle.

Ann Fontaine

December 13, 2004

How much I will miss Gail and our times together. Our last time working as trainers was in Jerome, ID. We sat in the sunshine of the monastery garden and talked about our favorite subjects. There is an empty space at our EFM table now that she has gone on to the next party.

Edward de Bary

December 13, 2004

I will miss greatly Gail';s enthusiasm and dedication. We were colleages in Sewanee for nearly a decade and she continued to work with the Education for Ministry program after she returned home. She was a trusted friend and co-worker who left an important legacy by her work in Sewanee. My wife, Marcia, and I grieve the passing of a friend with whom we shared an important time in our lives and in the work of the Church in the United States and abroad. May she rest in peace knowing that she was appreciated and loved by us.

Andy Atkinson

December 13, 2004

I did not know Gail, however, the out pouring of love for her from the EFM trainers' network really touched my heart. What a wonderful legacy Gail has left behind. I know she will be missed, anyone loved so much always will be.

Johanna Leuchter

December 13, 2004

I met Gail for the first time in Idaho in Sept., '04; we were both EFM mentor trainers. (We each had different groups.) It was my first time in that role, and Gail was quite supportive. I really appreciate the handouts I received from her. I was looking forward to working with her again. I will miss her.

Johanna Leuchter

Palmer Pardington

December 13, 2004

I worked often with Gail in the EFM program as a fellow trainer.It was a pure joy to know her. She had a great appetite for life and people and had a contagious enthusiasm for everyone and everything. She became for me like a mother superior of the EFM program because of her skills, experience, and dedication to the program. She was a wonderful well of creativity and was always generous in sharing her gifts with the rest of us. Her laughter was so warm and welcoming that I can still hear it. She was a person of deep faith in Christ, and at the same time had a streak of prophetic zeal that enabled her to spot and challenge unfairness and injustice wherever she found it. Even though I will miss her immensely, I rejoice in the privilege of having known her.

David Fletcher

December 13, 2004

I would like to express to the family that I came to know Gail through the EFM Trainers' network, and valued her contributions and insights which were so important to the EFM community. Be assured of my prayers, and comforted by the knowledge that her healing is begun.

Cindy Sherrill

December 13, 2004

Gail was a good friend and colleague. We spoke often of our grandchildren. I know hers will miss her terribly.

Emily Watt

December 12, 2004

You are my sunshine! I miss you.

Melissa Werner

December 11, 2004

Gail was one of the sweetest people I think that I have ever come across. She was truely an inspiration to us all. Gail and I were really close for a while, but after I got married we did not speak much. She was a very loving Grandmother. But I, like everyone else, know she is in a much better place now; And I am positive that she is looking down on us all and smiling! I am sorry to all of the others in the family.

jean white

December 11, 2004

im so sorry for the loss of your mother but she is with god now u guys tc be safe

jean white

Rose Hollingsworth

December 11, 2004

I didn't know Gail personally ; but came to know her through James and knew how much he loved her and what a great person she was .He talked very highly of her.I'm sorry to see she is gone. I know she will be missed by all who knew her.My sympathies to all and God Bless.

Rose

Mike Williams

December 11, 2004

May light perpetual shine upon my dear friend and mentor

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