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Gail Orenstein Obituary
Gail was born in New London but moved to Mystic as a young girl, graduating from Fitch Senior High School in 1982. She pursued her love of art and photography after graduating from The Art Institute of Chicago.
Gail traveled to 84 countries, often accompanied by her husband, Robert, and she became internationally known for her photos in conflict zones. Her recent work focused on drone journalism, and she was often the only female licensed operator in the field. A member of both the National Union of Journalists and The International Press Association, Gail was a guest lecturer at many international drone events and inspired many young women to follow in her footsteps.
Gail loved her family. She was predeceased by her parents, Max and Janet.
She leaves behind her beloved husband, Robert Hooker; six sisters; a brother; and many nieces and nephews.
Donations in her memory can be made to: Reporters Without Borders, P.O. Box 34032, Washington, DC 20043.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gail Orenstein
Holly Butler
July 21, 2022
Remembering my childhood friend , condolences to Orenstein Family
Robert Hooker
August 31, 2021
Thank you all for the kind words. She was just the same wonderful positive person her entire amazing life
Kris Nickerson
August 5, 2021
I´m so sorry to learn of Gail´s passing. We were inseparable friends in our childhood on Shewville Road and I have so many fond memories of our times together.
My she rest in peace.
Sincerely
Kris (Peterson) Nickerson
Stephen Poirier
August 2, 2021
I was very saddened to hear this horrible news. I met Gail in Boston at Northeastern. Lots of great memories. She has a beautiful family. My condolences to the Orenstein family.
Stephen Poirier Gales Ferry,Ct
RJ Nickerson
July 28, 2021
Gail was a good friend in High School, she was one of a kind who made my days brighter. I am very sorry for your loss,
With sympathy and sadness,
Holly Butler
July 28, 2021
Childhood neighbor from Shewville Rd.. good childhood memories.. So heartbreaking to hear condolences to The Family
Mary Jane Fogarty Lyons
July 26, 2021
VERY SAD to hear today of Gail´s passing. She was such a BIG part of my life in middle school, high school, and beyond. EVERYONE at Cutler will remember how she walked down the hallway saying "Hi" to all and wouldn´t MISS ONE person!!! And, I still tell the story of our drive to the Block Island Ferry when we stopped traffic because a mouse crawled across my feet in her car. The mouse was in a bag to feed her boyfriend´s SNAKE!! TOO MANY memories of fun and laughter with Gail, and her various family members (Max and Janet, for sure!!) Love and deepest condolences to Bob, and the ENTIRE Orenstein Family. God Bless.
Crystal Bloeser
July 26, 2021
To Gail's Family it saddens me to hear about her passing. We had a lot of fun in High School. She was such a caring, fun person and she will be missed. My deepest sympathy to you all.
Eileen Kelley Edwards
July 25, 2021
To the entire Orenstein family, I was so saddened to learn of Gail´s passing. I have so many fond memories of us together as teens. Please accept my sincere condolences.Sincerely, Eileen Kelley Edwards
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