Gail T. Dill

Mars Hill & Ellsworth- On Tuesday October 21, 2025, my courageous wife Gail was promoted to glory, where she met her Savior, Jesus Christ, and began her eternal life. She gave her life to the Lord on July 4th, 1976. Her life would never be the same. Her journey to know the Lord and grow in relationship with him grew from that day forward. Her words, her actions and her life's testimony were evidence of her faith and clearly pointed to the goodness of God and His powerful work in her life. She will be sadly missed as a loving and faithful wife, a devoted mother and nanny (hey Nan!), a caring sister, an aunt, and a friend to so many. The Psalmist said, "I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD." (Psalm 118:17) You did live every day to the fullest in your year long battle with cancer, and you certainly maintained a wonderful testimony, declaring the love of God, the grace and mercy of God, the goodness of God, and the peace of God, as you faced each day. Well done my dear!
Gail was born in Bath, Maine to Edward and Barbara Thompson. She was the second of three children, older sister Karen and younger brother Keith. Her family eventually moved to West Bath into the family homestead. In their younger years, Karen and Gail loved cutting out and playing with paper dolls; Keith loved tormenting them. Gail and Karen participated in the local dance and singing talent shows. Gail graduated from Morse High School in 1970.
Gail and I met at the University of Maine at Machias in January of 1971, we were married on August 17th of 1974, then began our lives together in Mars Hill as school teachers. By the way, school began on August 19th so our honeymoon was in "the county." Gail desired to be a school teacher as a little girl and lived out her childhood dream teaching 4th grade in Mars Hill, Kindergarten in Bridgewater and Otis, a first and second grade combination in Sullivan, and finally first grade in Ellsworth. Even in her retirement she substituted for many years. Her greatest thrill was teaching literacy. She loved to help children learn to read better, and she thoroughly enjoyed reading to her grandchildren. In the midst of these years, we had both our daughters, Amy and then Cathy. She deeply loved being mom and took several years off from teaching to be with our kids. She was active, available and intentional in the lives of our girls. Even in her last days she was buying plants to make sure their flower beds would be ready for spring.
If there is any truth to having a green thumb, Gail had one! She loved her flowers, planting and taking care of them. She looked forward to "getting her hands in the dirt" each spring. She loved deadheading, watering, and nurturing those flowers. Another great love was the ocean and going to the beach. Camping at Ocean View Campground right on Popham Beach was the highlight of our summer for many years. Getting her grandchildren to the beach and watching them run and play in the waves brought many smiles to her face. Perhaps Gail's greatest love was her family. She loved attending the many activities of her daughters and then her grandchildren. In our later years, God privileged us with 10 years on Beach Hill Pond enjoying the sunrises and sunsets, dinners on the deck or on the Dyer's pontoon boat. Our cottage was wonderful giving us many beautiful memories.
Gail leaves behind her husband of 51 years, Gerry Dill, two daughters and sons-in-law, Amy Dill Carlisle and husband Doug, Cathy Dill Coates and husband Seth, seven grandchildren, Colby, Ethan, Cassidy, Mayne, Brayden, Saydie and Anders, a sister and brother-in-law, Karen Thompson Allard and Louie, as well as other family members and dear friends. She loved every one of you very, very much. Liz, you held a special place in her heart. Gail was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Barbara Thompson, and her brother Keith Thompson.
Having spent a great deal of time in two communities and having two wonderful church families, we have decided to have two celebrations of life services. The first one will be on Saturday November 1st at 1:00pm at the Maine Coast Baptist Church in Ellsworth. The second service will be on Sunday November 2nd at 1:00pm at the United Baptist Church in Mars Hill. A reception and continued fellowship will take place at the church fellowship hall immediately following the service. If you are able to attend, would you consider wearing something blue, Gail's favorite color. Thank you. Arrangements in care of Duncan Funeral Home, 8 Main St., Mars Hill, ME 04758. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.duncan-graves.com