Gail A. "Smith" Coburn

Gail A. (Smith) Coburn, 84, of Cranston, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, with her family by her side. Born on March 24, 1941, in Providence, RI, she was the daughter of the late Benjamin and Mary (Simpson) Smith.

Gail was a trailblazer for a woman of her generation. Full of enthusiasm, free-spirited, and naturally influential, she led by example and inspired those around her. A proud graduate of Cranston High School, Class of 1958, she carried her school spirit and sense of pride throughout her life.

A devout Catholic, Gail's faith shaped her values, her compassion, and the gentle way she cared for others. She was a loyal and devoted friend who made a point to bring people together-often organizing her cherished weekly "girls' night out." Her circle of friends spanned all ages and stages of life, and she welcomed each person without judgment. Her presence was warm, accepting, and undeniably fun.

Gail had a need for adventure and a resourceful spirit. She loved being near the water-one of her happiest places-and found joy in any opportunity to explore, relax, or simply take in the view. She was a supportive mother and grandmother, proudly attending every event she could. Her home was always open, especially to family, and was a place of laughter, comfort, and love.

She was the mother of Laurie Royal and her husband Tony of Wakefield, RI, Theodore M. Coburn and his wife Kathy of Narragansett, RI and Deborah Andrade and her husband Jeff of Cranston, RI. She is survived by twelve grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; siblings: Rev. Richard Smith, M.M. and Judith Davignon. She is predeceased by a grandchild Evan Tellier and a brother Thomas Smith.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, November 25, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick. Her funeral will begin on Wednesday, November 26, at 8:30 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Apostles Church, Cranston. Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery, North Kingstown.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org or to Maryknoll, a Catholic foundation at www.maryknoll.org.