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BORN
1948
DIED
2021
FUNERAL HOME
Gail Sherman Obituary
Sherman, Gail Marie
age 72, beloved wife, mother, sister and aunt, died of a sudden heart attack and went to heaven on January 9, 2021. Gail is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Bill, and daughter Laura (Michael) Osborne. Gail was the daughter of the late Edsel and Irene (Coerver) Gilbert, sister of John (Jeanette) Gilbert and Karen (Howard) Revelle.
Gail suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for 50 years, which left her completely disabled for the last decade. Despite her increasing disabilities, she remained steadfastly cheerful and bore her limitations with a grace and faith that earned the admiration of all who knew her.
In her younger years, Gail was a volunteer in many activities of her parish, St. Blaise (now Holy Spirit), and was particularly active with the parish food pantry. She also volunteered as a candy-striper at DePaul, and during Laura's school years was active in the Girl Scouts and PTA. A beloved friend to many, Gail kept her friendships alive and well even in her later years. Gail was an avid swing and Imperial dancer as a young woman, even succeeding in teaching a slow-footed husband. Gail and Bill decided early on during the progression of her Multiple Sclerosis journey that travel should be done sooner rather than later, and many happy family trips to international destinations were completed while travel was still possible.
Many charities benefited from her generous donations, but she would particularly appreciate donations in her memory to either of her favorites: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Memorial services and celebration-of-life gatherings will be deferred until the COVID-19 related travel and gathering restrictions are lifted.
Memories and Condolences
for Gail Sherman
74 Entries
Fred H Coerver Jr
June 26, 2021
For my Beloved Cousin Gail Sherman,
Being a first cousin from Texas, there were limited opportunities to spend time with family in the Saint Louis area. Fortunately my dad made it a priority for us to visit Grandma Coerver, aunts, uncles and cousins there as vacation time and resources permitted.
During the two visits in the 1950's and 1960's we made the rounds of my dad's siblings and families. My sister Betty and I had the opportunity to spend some time with those geograhically distant Coervers and the Gilberts who were just Coervers by another last name as far as I was concerned. We were happy to see all the cousins, but it felt special at the Gilberts. Betty's middle name was courtesy of Aunt Irene. Gail's birthdate was August 28, 1948 - mine was less than a month later on September 26. The range of our ages was close so it felt like we had another brother and two sisters.
One summer in the late 60's I asked Gail if she would visit us in Texas. She took some vacation time and flew to Houston. I picked her up at the new airport on the north side of Houston and spent the next several days showing her the sights - such as they are around Houston and Galveston. We went to see Galveston and the beach, and took the automobile ferry to the Bolivar peninsula. As luck would have it there was a US Navy aircraft carrier training ship in Galveston that weekend so we took an onboard tour. The young sailor that drew the "short straw" for duty that day seemed to have a very good time showing us around the ship as it he was quite taken with Gail. The sightseeing continued to the San Jacinto Battlegrounds and Monument (where Texas defeated Santa Anna after the loss of the Alamo) and a visit to the Battleship Texas on the river at San Jacinto. Gail seemed to enjoy the less than exotic itinerary and I had the opportunity to better appreciate her character and maturity during the visit.
Gail talked about her job at Chevrolet, and how a young GMI engineering student named Bill found his way to her desk frequently. Apparently something very good came of that and a year or so later I attended their wedding. The life Gail and Bill shared since is proof of their great love and commitment to each other.
In the summer of '71 I stopped off in Saint Louis on my way to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood. Gail had told me she was having treatments for MS and I arranged to travel a day earlier than the Army specified on my orders so I could see her. She was in good spirits and we had an upbeat visit.
Later in '73 my first wife, Norma, and I visited Gail and Bill and met Laura. In '76 we returned with our 6 month old son Sean.
In '92 Gail and Bill flew their plane to Houston to attend my wedding to Annette. It was so heartening to see Gail and Bill after so many years since our last visit in Saint Louis.
In 2004 Gail and Bill attended a Coerver Family reunion Betty arranged in Saint Louis. Gail was the same gracious and wonderful person I had known since the '60's - the realities of MS did not diminish her.
The news of Gail's passing affected me as deeply as the passing of my parents, but the shock was more intense. I was somewhat prepared for the loss of my parents due to their advanced ages and slow decline. Gail and I were the same age and she had been such a bright light in my life for so many years - her loss was something I had not really anticipated.
All who knew and loved Gail - especially Bill and Laura, Karen and John - received the most wonderful gift of having her in their lives. Our angel Gail will be with us forever.
Laura Aita
February 21, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in our thoughts. What a beautiful woman. Love, the Aita Family
John & Jeanette Gilbert
January 23, 2021
We are told in Matthew 18:3 that “unless we become like little children, we will never enter into the kingdom of heaven.” I believe that my sister firmly believed these words of Christ and lived her life in this manner. As my sibling—less than one year younger than I—we were more than best of friends throughout our childhood days. We enjoyed the life of “little children” while living on 113 Betty Jean Lane, playing boardgames with Steve and Barbie Meyer next door on their front porch, sleigh-riding down Schaeffer’s ice-packed driveway following ice storms that all grownups dreaded, attending grade school at St. Bernadette’s in old, noisy and drafty WWI barracks buildings, coping with a momentary loss of pop-beads due to the sensitive ears of our 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Waltz, riding the St. Mary’s grade school bus together, and helping our financially poor parents cope with life in any way we could. These indeed were treasured, unforgettable times.
As we both grew into our pre-teen and teen years, Gail clung to that same child-like approach to life. Why else would she and her best girlfriend, Marsha Blackmoore, spend hours and hours teaching her older brother how to “Imperial” to the Crystal’s famous recording of “Da Doo Ron Ron” in our add-on family room on Winn Drive, and wanted to go with me to Starlite Ballroom every Sunday night? My explanation is that she loved being young and childlike—something that most of us lose too early in life.
Life as a young adult was just beginning for her and Bill when a medical issue stole some of that childlike demeanor from her. She was diagnosed with MS and struggled with it for nearly 50 years. She endured it, but with an attitude of acceptance—like a child suffering with a nagging cold or stuffy nose. Through all those years, I never heard or saw her complain about the fate she was dealt. In some ways, one could interpret her approach to her fate as the very thing Christ was saying: remain as little children to enter into the kingdom of heaven.
We will never know in our lives if the words of Matthew shaped her approach to life, but if it did, we all have something to learn from it. For I think my sister left this world in that state.
I will miss you, dearest sister.
Terry Sherman
January 22, 2021
Gail was beautiful. She was thoughtful and kind. She was gracious. As we are told to be, but seldom are, Gail was--- she loved her neighbor, and all whom she met.
Ed Sherman
January 22, 2021
My sister-in law Gail was classy and kind, with a humble spirit. I wish I could have seen her doing the Imperial Swing dances with Bill in her younger days! She had an easy laugh and a wonderful self-deprecating sense of humor that always made me feel at ease and welcome in her presence. She would never bring it up unless I asked, but I was amazed at how long she kept volunteering at the food pantry even as her illness progressed. Love to Bill and Laura and the Gilbert family.
Scott Smith
January 22, 2021
So very sorry to hear of Gail's passing. I will forever remember her as a kind, intelligent, and often hilarious woman. My thought and prayers are with Bill and Laura.
William Sherman
January 21, 2021
William Sherman
January 21, 2021
William Sherman
January 21, 2021
William Sherman
January 21, 2021
Kathie Sherman
January 21, 2021
I’ve always thought of Gail as Grace Personified. I’ve seen that sentiment echoed throughout guest book comments. Never a complainer, always ready with a smile coupled with that lovely Gilbert giggle, which Laura clearly shares ... Her demeanor always as pleasant as pie, in spite of her misfortune. Bill and Gail have been, for the 30+ years I’ve been part of this family, an example to me of the pinnacle of relationships: always kind to each other, always affectionate, always respectful—and clearly, deeply—like, Grand-Canyon-deeply—in love with each other. How lucky those three have been, to have known life together as a family. Gail was a gift to all who encountered her. Her quiet graciousness will be sorely missed.
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
William Sherman
January 17, 2021
Chris Sherman
January 17, 2021
Wife to my oldest brother, so my first example of what an "in-law" could---and should---be. She set the standard: gracious, kind, thoughtful & poised. And, years later, for my own kids, the aunt they saw most often & knew the best. We shared an interest in books and more. She will be greatly missed.
Dan Hughes
January 17, 2021
I met Gail at Aquinas high school. And even though I haven´t seen her in a very long time, I remember her just as she has been described here; kind, gentle, with a warm and engaging smile. I am very sorry for your loss, but hopeful that your many memories of her will bring you comfort during this difficult time.
pat powers fuchs
January 16, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about Gail. we went to grade school together, St. Marys and high school, Aquinas. i have fond memories of grade school sleepovers and eighth grade hijinks.May her memory be eternal.
Bill Sherman
January 16, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 16, 2021
Mike Sherman
January 15, 2021
We were in awe of Gail when older brother Bill first brought her into our life. But that quickly changed to fondness and love. She was relentlessly graceful, generous, and cheerful in all our interactions, and in spite of her life with MS. Bill has been an inspiration in his gentle caretaking---a true love story until the end.
Anne Chapman
January 15, 2021
I will always remember my Aunt Gail as a funny, gentle, caring, and kind woman. She will be greatly missed. All my love to Bill and Laura during this difficult time.
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
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Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
Victory at Scrabble!
Bill Sherman
January 15, 2021
William Sherman
January 15, 2021
William Sherman
January 15, 2021
William Sherman
January 15, 2021
William Sherman
January 15, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
An angel gets her wings.
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Laura Osborne
January 14, 2021
Oh, Mom.
What could I ever possibly say, that's 'enough'?
Just look at this beautiful photo of you ... because YOU, YOU were beautiful. That apple-cheeked face and luminous, porcelain complexion until the very end. Your sweet 'n' sunny disposition, in all circumstances, assured that time never dimmed how lovely you truly ALWAYS were.
Thank you for being so gentle, so kind.
Thank you for enduring my own, eh, 'eccentricities' with aplomb, and believing in me ( ... which was ultimately warranted, after many false starts and stops).
Thank you for being the 20-year-old girl Daddy married, until the end, and fueling his devotion to and passion for you 'in good times and bad', all that time.
Thank you for devotion to your own parents, my grandparents, whom I still desperately miss every single day. Grandma Irene, especially, was a second mother to me ... and she gave you to me. How could I not revere that?
Thank you for your hearty and easy laughs.
Thank you for ripping my heart out by how touched you always were, by things that touched you. Your compassion for others and concern for their plight, is a huge element of what I, too, got from you.
Thank you for your joke-y, sing-songy way of talking that I mimic to a 't' (just by function of DNA, I reckon - I didn't mean to 'model' that on-purpose, ha!), sprinkled with continuous giggling that makes us both seem rather insane, no doubt.
Thanks for always telling me what a fun and happy and un-fussy baby I was, and that everyone loved and wanted to play with Little Wawa.
Thank you for being such an incredible warrior in the face of a severe level of disability - always choosing to live, and to live as best as could be. You made it so easy for Daddy to always, always be madly in love with you ... because simply being together, was all that mattered. He was never bitter - never - about the difficulty of the situation. Quite the opposite. He was happy to prove, even eager to prove, that the 'for better or for worse' part of your wedding vows, were just as vital to him as any other part.
Thank you for dancing. An image I have in my mind's eye of you and Daddy, is the two of you dancing the Imperial. Your connection, your romance, was the envy of many.
I wish we could do it all, all over again.
And KNOWING what was to come ... knowing that life wasn't exactly going to be what you'd wished (having wanted more kids, having wanted a body that didn't betray you) ... I know Daddy and I would choose what we had, still, every time, if it meant we still got to choose you.
I love you!
Forever in our hearts,
Laura (along with my husband Mike Osborne).
Showing 1 - 74 of 74 results
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Collier’s Funeral Home - Saint Ann3400 North Lindberg Blvd. , Saint Ann, MO 63074-2103
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