Gail Wilson Paynter

1948 - 2018

BORN

1948

DIED

2018

Gail Paynter Obituary

Name: Service for Gail Wilson Paynter
Start: 2018-02-24T22:30:00.000Z
End: 2018-02-25T00:30:00.000Z
Location: Center For Spiritual Living

Celebrating Gail Wilson Paynter
July 5, 1948 to December 5, 2017
Resident of Ben Lomond
It is with a heavy and grateful heart that these words are offered in celebration and remembrance for my mother:
To all who knew her, Gail was an intelligent, generous, loving, kind, loyal, perceptive, strong, independent, determined, trustworthy and encouraging friend and family member. She reveled in opportunities to help others, especially in the context of their search for meaningful work, improving themselves, or of course, a good book! Gail was a consummate collector of things she and others might find useful in her and/or their myriad interests. She had a broad appetite for literature, music, politics, philosophy and language and enjoyed sharing these in any form such as concerts, talks, books, dinners and presents. As a son, I never doubted that I was loved, nor that another human being would gladly give their life for mine. This deep caring and indestructible foundation has been my bedrock, serving me for a lifetime. Further, it has now spanned another generation with her two grandsons, Zachariah and Elijah Paynter. As not only was Gail a model of this loving kindness for our family, but she shined the same light directly on "the boys" as often as she could.
Gail was lucky to have a number of friends, some for many decades, who equally cared for her and seemed to appreciate the same qualities known so well by her family. In her last years, many of these friends returned the kindness she so freely offered as they helped her through difficult and challenging health issues. She worked a variety of careers in universities, school districts and public libraries, seemingly always in a role of helping others access, discover and benefit from those institutions. Gail was known for encouraging exploration of ideas, careers, books, hobbies and ways of seeing the world. She was a gentle, sensitive and spiritually seeking person, always doing her best to make her way in the world while also helping others do the same. It is a rare person who was not happy to have met Gail and felt the better for it.
She leaves this world with a legacy of giving unconditional love and offering unwavering support those in her sphere. Through generations to come her care, compassion and commitment to family and friends will act as a living legacy for those left to carry on her memory. In addition to myself and my sons, Gail is survived by her mother, Gladys Wilson, and her niece, nephew, brother, sister, cousin, daughter-in-law, and extended family members. She will be missed terribly by all, but also remembered fondly. I offer warmest and highest regards to all who knew and loved Gail. In Appreciation, Michael Paynter.
There will be a gathering to celebrate Gail on Saturday, February 24, 2017, 2:30 to 4:30pm at Center For Spiritual Living, 1818 Felt Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to SPCA https://spcasc.org/credit-card-donation-memorium/ or
Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries http://fscpl.org/donate/

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Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Feb. 23, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Gail Paynter

Sponsored by santacruzsentinel.com.

6 Entries

Becky Fitzgerald

February 25, 2018

I was so sad to hear of Gail's death. She was a very kind person and I enjoyed working with her. I will miss her.

Jane Schymeinsky

February 25, 2018

I was so shocked to see this obituary for Gail. I worked at the library with Gail from the time she started and she was always warm and happy when we met. So sad that I didn't see her recently. She was a large hearted soul.

Downtown Library Branch Flags at Half Staff with City Hall Flags at Half Staff in Background - In Memory of Gail

Anna Brooks

February 25, 2018

Downtown Library Branch Flags at Half Staff in Memory of Gail

Anna Brooks

February 25, 2018

Anna Brooks

February 25, 2018

Shortly after Gail and I met in 1997 we knew we'd be lifelong friends. I could not have asked for a more trusted or caring one. From planned excursions to impromptu errand-running, our times together were fun, relaxing, and meaningful--and when she'd take me home, we'd invariably sit in her car in front of my house for much longer, still deep in our conversations. I will both miss and will strive to emulate her deep compassion, her capacity for joy, her ever-curious mind, and her kindnesses both large and small. Joyous journeys onward, dear friend, and comfort to all who had the pleasure of knowing her and sharing her life.

Hui-Lan Titangos

February 23, 2018

I have felt so saddened at the passing of Gail Paynter, one of my long-time colleagues at Santa Cruz Public Libraries. Gail and I never worked together under the usual circumstances, but we did when either our department ran out funding or were short of help. She was always willing, with her positive spirit and smile. I also saw her at different branches over the years. She never failed to greet me with her warmth and optimism, which I will miss dearly. We have lost not only a great library staff member, but a dedicated dear friend.

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