Gail M. Guilfoile

Gail M. Guilfoile of Denver, Colorado, formerly of Bloomington, Illinois, transitioned peacefully on February 27, 2026, at Briarwood Health Care Center in Denver with family at her side. She was 90 years old.

Gail was born January 16, 1936, in Ottawa, Illinois, to Eileen and Clarence McCormick of Grand Ridge, Illinois. She married John F. Guilfoile in July of 1958. Together they had three children and established a life in Bloomington, Illinois.

Growing up on her family’s farm, Gail had rather limited outlets for creativity. As soon as she was old enough, she got involved in 4-H and began designing and making her own clothes. She pored over magazines featuring fashion ideas and innovative home interiors. She had a natural flair for all things design and was always well ahead of current trends. Along the way she also developed a love for drawing and painting and over the years created numerous evocative compositions with oils, acrylics and assemblage techniques.

In addition to her artistic gifts, Gail was blessed with an exceptional voice and perfect pitch—gifts she shared for many years in church choirs, as a cantor and a wedding soloist. She had the voice of an angel.

Professionally, Gail had a diverse history, with a particular penchant for underserved children. Beginning In the late 60’s she worked for Illinois Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Children’s Home (ISSCS)-a state-run institution in Normal, Illinois that cared for veterans’ orphans and indigent children. In the early 70’s she became an integral part of Kaleidoscope-an organization that provided foster care education and group home services for disadvantaged and troubled youth.

In the late 70’s, she relocated to the suburbs of Chicago to manage the Parts division of Signode Steel in Glenview, Illinois. She was the first woman selected to manage an all-male division. There she earned tremendous respect for her fairness, integrity and her willingness to do anything she asked her employees to do.

Later she moved north to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin to the home of her dreams- a sweet ranch- style house that backed up to the woods. The idyllic and peaceful setting provided her great joy and contentment. It was her Shangri-la. She opened her own design and alterations business -MGM Design Studio-in downtown Lake Geneva where she worked for several years before relocating to Denver, Colorado in the mid-90’s to be close to her children.

Gail was predeceased by her parents, her former husband John, daughter Sheila Angone of Denver, brother Terry McCormick of Sheridan, Illinois, sister Karen Norton of Chicago and two nephews.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Jeffrey Guilfoile of Denver, Colorado, Lisa Guilfoile (Vici Ward) of Parker, Colorado, brother Bill McCormick of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, granddaughter Olivia Angone of Aurora, Colorado, and several nieces and nephews.

At her core, Gail was kind, compassionate, and she loved with all her heart. She will be greatly missed.

Cremation rites have been afforded.

For those wishing to send condolences or correspondence, please address to:

PO Box 365

Parker, CO  80134