Gail M. Murray, 88

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Gail M. Murray died on December 3, 2018, in Great Barrington, Mass., following a long illness.

Born February 27, 1930, in New Rochelle, N.Y., to Helen (Dodge) and Hamilton McInnes, she attended St. Agnes School in Albany, N.Y., and Edgewood Park College in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

She married Donald F. Murray August 16, 1952. They had two daughters, Lynn and Diane, who died at age 11 from cystic fibrosis. Gail was predeceased by her husband and two older sisters, Carol Solenberger of Knoxville, Tenn., and Janet Deschere of Poughkeepsie, N.Y.

She is survived by her daughter Lynn (John Slonaker) of Pawling, N.Y.; her granddaughter Kelly Slonaker of Bedford, N.Y.; as well as Thomas Ackerman of Great Barrington, her loving companion of 10 years.

In 1957, she and husband Don moved from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Ardsley, N.Y., and later additionally kept a second home in East Hampton, N.Y. She was a Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) leading member for many years, and under the name Gaidon bred and raised Siamese cats, many of which went on to capture titles/trophies on the cat show circuit. Gail and Donald later moved to Pound Ridge, N.Y., where she started a successful antiques and furniture restoration business.

She enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid gardener and gourmet cook who enjoyed entertaining her many friends and extended family. In 1983, she and Donald purchased the "Peanut Cottage" on Alford Road in Great Barrington, Mass., and proceeded to improve and expand the house and property, where they eventually retired.

A multi-talented, creative and gregarious personality, Gail was a true friend as well as loving mother and grandmother.  

The family asks that those wishing to honor her memory contribute to any of the following: Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ.org); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF.org); Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship (endeavorth.org) c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.