Photo courtesy of James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation
Charleston, South Carolina
Jul 23, 1936 – Oct 6, 2017
Gail Elisabeth McKenna, 81, widow of Robert Russell McKenna, Sr., was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, October 6, 2017. The relatives and friends of Gail E. McKenna are invited to attend her Funeral Service at 4:00 PM, Saturday, October 14, 2017, at St. Mark United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Gail was the only child of George Eric Haggblom and Astrid Elisabeth Haggblom and was born on July 23, 1936, and was raised in Verona, New Jersey. She met and married the love of her life on a blind date, Robert Russell McKenna, Sr. They were married 52 years. Her family lived in New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Massachusetts and Texas before settling in Charleston, SC. She loved her beautiful downtown home and enjoyed the beaches, golfing, cross stitching, oil painting and going out to eat at all the wonderful restaurants Charleston has to offer! She was a member of St. Mark United Methodist Church. She often said how much she loved her church family and she was always so thankful of all the kindness and love she found there.
She is survived by her four children: Robert Russell McKenna, Jr., Karen Elisabeth McKenna, Steven John McKenna (Gina), Susan Elisabeth Caulder (Ray) and her six grandchildren: F. Raymond Caulder, III, Elisabeth Louise Caulder, Matthew Robert Caulder, Gia Brit McKenna, Ian Alexander McKenna, and Ali Bryn McKenna. Her brother and sister in law: William and Lydia McKenna and her niece: Eva McKenna Tramontana (Matthew) and great nephew and nieces: Mason, Madelyn and Mabel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church 413 Geddes Avenue, Charleston, SC 29407.
My husband and I have been friends of Gail's for over 20 years. First at Seabrook and then in downtown Charleston. She was a wonderful friend and I will miss being able to call and chat with her. May God's peace be with her family during this difficult time.
Kaye & Fred Ristow
October 18, 2017 | Wimauma, FL
I am a good friend of Gail"s son Russ.
I had a great time with Mrs McKenna. We
would go out to lunch with her and that was fun.
She was a great lady. I will miss Gail a lot.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Craig Johnson
October 16, 2017 | Johns Island, SC
We have shared many memories with Gail over the years,sorority sister, bridesmaid in our wedding and high school and college classmates. We will miss visits with her during our trips through Charleston.
Claire & Bill Burnett
October 16, 2017 | Sarasota, FL
Gail, our sister-in-law and aunt, was not only a beautiful lady. She was smart, resilient and accomplished, with a quick sense of humor. We admired her unfaltering devotion and love for her husband, children and grandchildren and her artistic and social talents. And we fondly remember our trips to her Charleston home and her visits to the Jersey Shore and Princeton over many years.
Gail, we will miss you. You leave a big empty space behind. We will keep you in our thoughts and...
William and Lydia McKenna
October 13, 2017 | Princeton, NJ
