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Gail Grabowski
Born: October 26, 1948; Chicago Heights
Died: December 24, 2020; Peoria
PERU – Gail (Cimaroli) Grabowski, 72, of Peru, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria.
According to her wishes, no services will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Peru.
Gail was born October 26, 1948 in Chicago Heights to Jeanette "Jan" (Molder) and Sam Cimaroli. They divorced, with her mother remarrying James Olson. Her parents, Jan and Jim raised her as their daughter.
Gail was a 1966 graduate of La Salle-Peru High School, 1968 graduate of Illinois Valley Community College and 1970 graduate of Northern Illinois University with a bachelor of science degree in education. She received her master of science degree in education in 1972. She married Gary Grabowski, the love of her life, in August 1977.
Gail taught language arts at Lincoln Junior High School, La Salle from August 1970 through November 1977and again from 1986-1989. She taught a year at St. Hyacinth's School, LaSalle and served as a WIN teacher in the Adult Education Center at Illinois Valley Community College. She also served as a resource teacher/teache's aide at JFK School, Spring Valley.
In addition to teaching positions, Gail worked at the News Tribune in the classified ad department, for Doug Biederstedt as secretary for his real estate office and later for his appraisal office, and as secretary to Donald Clausen, Chief of Police of the Peru Police Department.
When Gail left the workforce in 2003, she had already started on her journey for the rest of her life as a crossword puzzle constructor. She worked for a variety of crossword editors and her puzzles appeared in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Newsday, New York Times, The Crossword Club, Random House Casual Crosswords, Daily POP Crossword and other crossword entities for a total of over 1,700 crossword puzzles. Constructing was the second love of her life because she felt she was wisely using her English major in another venue other than education. To her, the "aha moment" for the solvers was what made constructing fun and why she enjoyed it so much.
Gail was an avid reader and served as a library board trustee for the Peru Public Library beginning in April of 2002 through February of 2020. She considered it her "home away from home." She and another board member were volunteers who assumed the responsibility of keeping the book sale room stocked and in order.
During the summer, Gail enjoyed working in their vegetable and herb gardens and cooking up a storm with the fresh produce. Sitting on her patio in the evening with Gary, a glass of wine, and listening to the "oldies" on Classic Hits 106 or CDs was a simple pleasure that she loved. From spring through fall, she could often be found outdoors working on their yard's landscaping or enjoying a book on the front porch.
Gail is survived by her husband, Gary.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved cat, Max.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be directed to the Peru Public Library or Illinois Valley Animal Rescue.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Mueller Funeral Home, Peru.
I never knew her, but my husband and I have been big fans of her crosswords for years. Looking up her name to learn more about her, I'm so sad to learn that this clever woman has left us. May her memory be cherished.
Lori Lippitz
August 27, 2023
While working my belated daily crossword puzzle I saw what appeared to be a typo in the author´s credit line, reading GAIL GRABOWKSI. A little digging confirmed it. Anyone else spot this?
Pauline Averbach
July 30, 2022
I did not know Gail but I´m doing a crossword puzzle book she contributed to. Just out of curiosity I looked her up online and was sad to see she had passed. We were born in the same year. She created wonderful puzzles. My deepest sympathy to her husband. I am a widow myself so I know how difficult the loss is.
Kathy Beckstead
April 6, 2021
Gail and I were very close friends while we both attended Northern Illinois University. She was a very special person with many special attributes. Although we lost contact for many years after graduating Gail was always a very special individual. Rest In Peace to a wonderful loving individual. May God bless your loving husband Gary.
William L. Arnold
Friend
March 7, 2021
So sorry to hear of Gail’s passing .. our thoughts and
Prayers are with you at this time Gary
Jim n GEmma Lehn
Gemma Lehn
Friend
January 2, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss of Gail .. you
Are in our thoughts and Prayers Gary
Gemma n Jim Lehn
Gemma Lehn
Friend
January 1, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, especially Gary.
Tom and Deborah Ebener
Friend
December 28, 2020
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