MINOT – Gail (Fricker) Santos, much-loved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2022, at her home.
Gail was born in New Bedford, Mass., on Jan. 26, 1942, the daughter of Imogen (Dow) and Ellsworth T. Fricker. She graduated from New Bedford High School in 1959 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from the New Bedford Institute of Technology and Textiles.
Gail married Rodney John Santos, also of New Bedford, Mass. in 1963. The pair had two children, Robin and Douglas. Gail worked for many years as an elementary school teacher in Acushnet, Mass., and later in Middletown, Conn. Despite working full time, family was always her priority and Gail made sure that weekends and vacations were packed with fun and educational activities.
A devoted spouse, Gail was up for any adventure that Rod could dream up. Upon Rod’s retirement, the couple purchased a motor home and traveled around the country, often with their grandson, Nicholas Santos. When Rod joined Kora Shrine, she supported him and tagged along on the endless functions and events required of them. And even though she loved her home in Minot, she was up for a change when Rod wanted to move to Wimauma, Fla.
Gail was a fashion maven who loved nothing better than a good bargain. She loved the beach, but hated to swim. She loved music, dancing, and laughing, and she showed no mercy when playing Canasta or Parcheesi. Gail was always trying new arts and crafts or planting something in her garden. She absolutely could not be idle.
Gail was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease 15 years ago. Although she had a long and difficult struggle over the years, she maintained her sense of humor to the very end. During the Covid pandemic, she and Rod moved back to Minot to stay with Douglas and his wife Judith. Doug and Judy selflessly cared for both through their final illnesses this winter. When Rod passed in December, Gail failed quickly, dying 17 days later.
Gail is survived by her daughter, Robin and her husband Robert of Freeport, her son, Douglas and his wife Judith of Minot; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of nearly 60 years.
The family wishes to give heartfelt thanks to Linda, Courtney, and the other ladies of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care during Rod and Gail’s last days.
Graveside services will be held on Friday, Jan. 14, at 12 p.m., at Rural Cemetery, New Bedford, Mass. Family and friends may call at the Chandler Funeral Home, 26 West Dwinal St., Mechanic Falls on Thursday, Jan. 13, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Online condolences may be shared with her family at http://www.chandlerfunerals.com.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimers Association
of Maine,
383 U.S. Route 1, Suite 2C,
Scarborough, ME 04074
or other charity
of your choice.