Gail Coghlan

Mary Gail Ryan was born on November 24, 1937 in Belmont Massachusetts. From the start she was the apple of everyone's eye growing up in a household the only child amongst five adults. This laid the foundation for greatest strengths of fierce independence and a joyful generous heart she was willing to share with all. She departed this world for which we are all saddened on October 30, 2018. She passed peacefully for which we are all grateful. She lived an extraordinary live from start to finish. She beamed bright from beginning to end. She was the life of a Halloween party just a few short days ago. We are forever grateful to all those that supported her towards the end of her life here at Bromley Manor and the Visiting Nurses of Southwestern Vermont. She lived a full life in Boston with her four children and many friends. Gail and Alban Coghlan met in May 1969 on a blind date, feel madly in love and married on November 21, 1970 in Boston Massachusetts. This union solidified the Coghlan clan as it was meant to be. With their children Abigail, Andy, Jack and Clodagh the adventures unfolded. Gail was an extremely bright, socially receptive and strong. Her accomplishments are many. She adored her family especially her grandchildren. She was so very proud of us all. She was successful in whatever she chose to pursue. She was the first in her family to graduate college attending Boston University. The real estate market in Boston was her passion and she was very successful. Once married to Alban they moved together to Poughkeepsie NY where while her children were young she attended Marist College earning a degree in psychology graduating with top honors. Then it was off to VT with kids in tow to create a home out of a barn. And what a home it was filled to the brim with memories. Amidst all of this creation she gracefully completed her Doctorate in Psychology at SUNY Albany. Her career as a psychologist in Rutland Vermont blessed many. She adored her clients with a special affinity towards those with physical and mental handicaps. She established group therapy visits before it was common practice. Travel was another passion that brought her and Alban form one end of the earth to the other making memories that only the rest of us can dream of. Who climbs Mount Kilimanjaro beating her husband to the top and then again tackles Everest base camp. Gail with her best friend Jay Veevers rafted the Snake River before it was ever thought of for a woman to do. An adventure to Timbuctoo brought them down the Niger River. Aside from adventure travel she would not hesitate to go to the ends of the earth to see loved ones. Her loving inclusive and open receptivity to all people dominated her life and made her attractive to many. As Lord Byron said "She walks in beauty, like the night. Of cloudless climes and starry skies, and all that's best of dark and bright meets in her aspect and her eyes" A Mass of Christian death and burial will be held Saturday November 3rd at 10am at Christ Our Savior Parish in Manchester Center, VT. Visiting hours from 5 to 7pm will be held Friday November 2nd at Brewster-Shea Funeral Home 34 Park Place, Manchester Center, VT where the family will be in attendance. Burial will follow Mass at St. Jerome's Cemetery. Donations in her memory may be made to VNA & Hospice of Southwestern Vermont c/o Brewster-Shea Funeral Services, P.O. Box 885, Manchester Center, VT 05255. A Mass of Christian death and burial will be held Saturday November 3rd at 10am at Christ Our Savior Parish in Manchester Center, VT. Visiting hours from 5 to 7pm will be held Friday November 2nd at Brewster-Shea Funeral Home 34 Park Place, Manchester Center, VT where the family will be in attendance. Burial will follow Mass at St. Jerome's Cemetery.