Gail Frances Jarson

Our beloved wife, sister, aunt, and friend, Gail Jarson, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 26, 2025, at the age of 73. She was surrounded by love, held close by her wife, family, and friends. Born in Dearborn, Michigan, on October 7, 1951, Gail moved with her family to Arizona in 1958, where they settled in Paradise Valley. As a child, she was an avid equestrian and carried a lifelong love for her surroundings. She graduated from Saguaro High School Class of 1969 and continued her education at Scottsdale Community College and Prescott College, earning her Masters Degree in Art Therapy. Gail's career was dedicated to art and education, working as an art therapist, grief counsellor, art instructor, community college teacher, and devoted caregiver to loved ones. She was an accomplished artist, mastering multiple mediums, including collage, traditional batik, mixed media, drawing, painting, silk screen, ceramics, and sculpture. Her works remain in collections worldwide. She was also a successful entrepreneur, pioneering arts spaces at Craftsman Court and on East Main Street in the then emerging Scottsdale Arts District. Curious and creative, Gail's passions extended beyond art. She was a skilled musician, writer, and gardener, deeply connected to the Sonoran Desert. Nothing pleased her more than the scent of creosote after a desert rain. She had a deep love for animals, always caring for pets and appreciating the unique beauty of Arizona's diverse natural habitat. Gail was fierce, brave, and full of life, always sharing her love for art, music, and nature with others. She was a mentor, friend, and inspiration to many. We will miss her dearly but take comfort in knowing she is "swinging from the treetops now." She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings (Ralph, Ross, Patricia, Barbara, Nancy, and Pamela). She is survived by her beloved wife of 34 years, Marian Lindholtz, her brother Scott (Debbie) Jarson, her sister Judy (William) Shanahan, her nephews and nieces Alexander (Erica) Jarson, Andrew Jarson, William (Danitza) Shanahan, Joseph (Roxanne) Ramiro-Shanahan, Matthew Shanahan (Anne Milo-Shanahan), and Shelley (Kim) Donovan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Arizona Humane Society or Hospice of the Valley. A Memorial is planned for a future date. Her final wish was simple: Share love and kindness today in her honor. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gail, please visit our floral store.