Gail Geraldine Lander

Gail Geraldine Lander (nee Pengilly)

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Gail Geraldine Lander. Gail entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by her family on April 29th, in her 80th year. Gail was the daughter of William and Florence Pengilly (both predeceased) and the loving sister of Mark (predeceased)(Laura) and Dan (Gay) Pengilly. She was a thoughtful aunt to several nieces and nephews.

Gail was a pillar of strength and love for her family. She was a devoted wife to Calvin Lander, and a proud and nurturing mother to Bonna-Lynn Ball (Allan), Scott Gale (Dana), Andrew Gale (Diane), Timothy Gale (Kerry), and a caring stepmother to Michael Lander (Sylvia) and, Kathy Macarthur (Phil). She was an adventurous, fun-loving grandmother to Glenn, Abigayle, Logan, Charlie, Makai, Theo, Osmo, Vella, Grace, Cole, and Luke. Gail was a devoted step grandmother to Matthew, Kiera and Poppy. They all called her ‘Nana’. Her family was her greatest blessing, and her prayers and support were a constant source of comfort and guidance for them.

As an educator, Gail began teaching in Etobicoke in 1966 and later with the Simcoe County District School Board. She found great joy in teaching Grade 2 at Coldwater Public School for many years. She touched countless young lives with her patience, creativity, and love for learning, leaving behind a legacy of gentle encouragement and wisdom.

Gail served in the various churches that she attended, teaching children about Jesus’ love for them. She enjoyed participating in Bible studies, learning and sharing with various women’s groups. She chaired the Orillia Pregnancy Resource Centre Board and encouraged the Centre in its outreach in the Orillia Area. She lived with grace, kindness, and compassion, putting others before herself and sharing Christ’s love through her words and actions. Her faith was the foundation of her life, guiding her through both joys and trials with steadfast hope.

Following Gail’s stroke in 2022, her life changed dramatically, with God’s steadfast hope, she continued to strive everyday to improve her physical and mental condition, learning to walk again, write with her left hand and many other skills too. She loved to visit with friends and family, giving lots of hugs and smiles, and always saying, “I love you”. Thank you to the Bayshore PSWs, who helped her everyday. She enjoyed their visits and appreciated their help tremendously. Gail, also, looked forward to her visits with her physiotherapist, Kaitlyn. She helped her to improve physically and took the time to have a thoughtful and warm visit with her.

Gail will be deeply missed and forever cherished by her family, friends, former students, and church community. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 6th, from 7 to 9 pm, at Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St., N., Orillia. A celebration of Gail’s life will be held at 1 pm on Wednesday, May 7th, at The Salvation Army, 157 Coldwater Road, Orillia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Focus on the Family Canada, the Orillia Pregnancy Resource Centre, or a charity of your choice.