COWARD, Gail

COWARD GAIL LORRAINE COWARD, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Fred Coward, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the age of 87 years.
Gail’s keen mind and sense of humour made “Grammy” the heart of her family and she will be dearly missed by her husband, Fred; children, Bill and Beth (Reza); and grandchildren, Roshan and Arman. Whether at the hockey rink or the soccer field, Gail’s support for her family was constant. She attended concerts and recitals and created countless costumes for speech and drama performances. She supported Fred’s many endeavours and was also the perfect hostess and quintessential lady. Special occasions were always marked by incredible food, impeccable centrepieces, lively conversation, and mouth-watering desserts.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, where she became a nurse and met Fred, Gail maintained strong ties to friends and family in that area even after moving to Alberta. The family cottage in Minaki was her home every summer and she was known around the lake for the beautiful flowers adorning the deck. Picnics on the dock, drinks on the deck, hosting friends and family from afar and “Christmas in July” were summer staples.
A lifelong learner, Gail attended the University of Lethbridge in her 50s to obtain her Bachelor of Nursing degree. She read voraciously, travelled extensively with Fred and immersed herself in genealogy, tracing her family tree back more than 200 years. One of her most memorable trips was to Maubert-Fontaine, France, to visit the grave site of her beloved brother Lorne, whose plane was shot down in World War II.
Gail’s faith was the foundation of her life. From choir director and costume designer to youth group leader and banner maker, Gail was an active and beloved member of each parish she was a part of. Even when COVID-19 shut services down, she enjoyed accessing the livestream and “attending” church weekly.
Gail’s quick wit and enduring spirit were an inspiration to the very end. All who cared for and visited Gail marvelled at how her sense of humour and good spirits never wavered. Ever the caregiver, she was never one to complain, instead focussing on putting those around her at ease.
A Celebration of Gail’s Life will be held at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411-11th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, October 10th, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Steve Bateman officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com