Gail Knight Derick, 89, passed away following a brief illness on March 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.
Gail was predeceased by her father, F. Stuart Knight and her grandson, Jack Knight Derick. Gail was also pre-deceased by her Aunt Ruth and Uncle Mort and her Aunt Barbara and Uncle Carl who played a vital role in Gail's formative years providing a wonderful family life in which she could grow.
She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Philip; her children, Jim (Jody), Jennifer (Matthew) and Alison (Emily). Gail is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Michael, Christopher, Ryan, Meghan Gail, Caroline, and Theo as well as her great granddaughter Alessia. Gail's important extended family includes cousins, Fritz, Carl and Marny, all of whom she adored.
Gail was born on May 25, 1934, in Brockton, Massachusetts, and attended Middlebury College where she met Phil. Her passion for life was contagious and she shared her love through everything she did–grade school and nursery schoolteacher, health care worker, hospice volunteer. Gail's favorite part of life was being a mother and devoted wife. She walked her children from infants into adulthood and was as proud of them as they were to call her Mom.
Gail shared a love of sports with her husband, in particular the Boston Red Sox when Phil took on the role as a team Ambassador in 2001. She accompanied Phil to many games and loved assisting him in the role of fan services. Together they filled countless requests for Fenway Fan packs from around the world and even helped take the World Series trophy on tour in 2004. In recent years Gail found a passion following the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, watching games from her couch while holding hands with Phil every chance she got.
Gail's presence will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her brilliant love and infectious laughter will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in peace, knowing she made the world such a brighter place.
A Celebration of Gail's Life will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, FL. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lord's Pantry, C/O Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton FL 34205 in honor of Gail's lifelong commitment to supporting people in need.
