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Gail Tonkinson Obituary
Gail was born in 1934 in Roselle Park, N.J., and grew up in Pleasantville, N.Y. She attended Katharine Gibbs School, then married John C. Baldwin and moved to California in 1956. She raised her three children who love her dearly and married again in 1978 to John H. Tonkinson. After working at Hart High School District for over 30 years, she retired from her position as Executive Secretary for the Superintendent of the District in October 2001.
Gail was very active in her spiritual life, being a Member of the Presbyterian Church of Newhall since she moved to what was Saugus in 1965. She sang in the choir, served as an Elder, was on the Worship Committee, and was on the Pastor Nominating Committee. She was an Honorary Life Member (2005) of Presbyterian Women. She was also a member of PEO, Philanthropic Educational Organization. Gail enjoyed music and theatre, but mostly being around her many friends and family – "the more the merrier." She smiled continuously and laughed easily.
She is survived by her son John Baldwin of Elbert, CO, and daughters Patty Jakobi-Stopper of Agua Dulce, CA, and Karen Ellis of Merced, CA. She is also survived by two grandsons, one granddaughter, and one great-granddaughter.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 3rd at 1:00 pm at the First Presbyterian Church of Newhall, 24317 Newhall Avenue, Newhall, CA 91321. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the First Presbyterian Church.
Gail's family wrote, "Gail was an extraordinary person; truly unselfish, loved by all, and cherished by many. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing her was loved by her unconditionally."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gail Tonkinson
Bob & Kitty Conant
April 4, 2010
Gail's smile, warmth, and professionalism offered a safe and friendly environment for all who visited the Superintendent. Her well earned retirement was a loss to the Hart District.
Her mentoring left an imprint and touched all of our lives.
Judy Whitmire
April 3, 2010
My husband, Carl Whitmire, worked with Gail for many years at Hart. He always found her to be friendly, willing to help, and always with a smile. My condolences to her family. She made a difference in the lives of others.
Judy Whitmire
Cynthia Rissler
April 3, 2010
In Love and Light,
Cynthia and Patrick Rissler
Pauline Classen
April 2, 2010
Gail was a true friend and always had a great smile and laugh. She will be greatly missed.
May God be your comforter in this time of sorrow.
Sonja Tweedie
April 1, 2010
Gail was a special friend. We shared our love for the Lord, our church, the choir and a wonderful friendship. I shall always cherish the time we have had together during the past 24 years.
Blessings to John, Patty and Karen. She will be greatly missed.
Debbie
April 1, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. Ms.Tonkinson always had a smile on her face when she came into Kaiser.I will miss seeing her.
Sarah Henning
April 1, 2010
Oh wow, Mrs. Baldwin, we loved you. She was a part of most of our lives when we all attended Canyon High School in the 70's. She was a truly lovely person and I am so sorry John, Patty and Karen that she is gone. Your mom is a favorite memory of mine from my youth.
Jean Wells
April 1, 2010
Your mother was a very special person and a dear friend. She will be dearly missed by many of us.
Michele Braceros
April 1, 2010
I am so sorry for your loss. It was an honor and privilege to know your mom. She was a blessing to many.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and all those who knew and loved her.
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