Gail E. Van Sumeren

Gail E. Van Sumeren, age 79, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning, October 30, 2023. The daughter of the late Ernest and Beatrice (Saxton) Irwin, she was born on September 28, 1944 in Saginaw. Gail graduated from Bay City Central High School in 1962 and went on to graduate with honors in 1990 from Northeastern School of Commerce. On August 21, 1965 Gail was united in marriage to Daniel R. Van Sumeren. Together they operated the family business, Dynamic Realty and Auctioneering, for many years. Gail then worked as a pharmacy tech for 16 years at the Kroger Pharmacy on Center Ave. She truly enjoyed seeing so many of her friends and making several more while at Kroger. Gail was a faithful member of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish. She enjoyed spending quiet time at home reading and playing games, taking care of her yard and flowers in the summer, and staying warm in the winter months in Texas and Florida. Many great times were spent at the family cabin near Hale, especially with her grandchildren.
Gail was preceded in death by her beloved husband Dan in 2019. She is survived by her children, Patrick (Michelle) Van Sumeren of Essexville and Noelle (Stanford Baker) Street of Bay City; her grandchildren, Jenae Street, LCpl. Blake Coleman, Aric Coleman, Gabriel Van Sumeren (fiancé, Heather Watson), John Van Sumeren and Brendan Van Sumeren; a brother, Dennis (Kathryn) Irwin of Saginaw; brother-in-law, James (Belma) Van Sumeren of Essexville; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. Gail was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Kristin; a brother, Ernest "Jerry" (Carol) Irwin; her two sisters, Janet Henika and Barbara (Arthur) Conklin; and a brother-in-law, William "Bill" Van Sumeren.
The Funeral Mass will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish with Fr. John Mancini presiding. The Rite of Committal will take place at St. Patrick Mausoleum. Visiting hours will be at Trahan Funeral Chapel on Monday from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a Vigil Prayer Service at 6:00 p.m., and at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish or the American Diabetes Association. For on-line sentiments: www.trahanfc.com