Gail LaGesse, 66, is survived by her loving husband, G.J. “Buzz” LaGesse; dear aunts Nina (Gary) Wood, Sue (Don) Wagner and Ann Mitchell; stepdaughters Beth (Barry) O’Nan and Katie (Craig) Ramsdell; grandchildren Laura, Paul, Connor and Ryan; special friend and cousin Kay Restaino, and many cousins, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Marvin and Frances Gibson Mitchell, and two brothers, James and William Mitchell.
As friends and family lovingly recall Gail, the words “she was kind to everyone she met” and “Gail was simply an angel” are oft-repeated remembrances. A lifelong resident of Paducah, she will be held sweetly in memory by hundreds of friends and family.
Gail graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School with honors, and where she participated in the marching band as Majorette. Gail graduated with high honors from Murray State University, earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree.
Gail and Buzz married August 2, 1985. They just celebrated their anniversary, 32 years of a joyful, rich marriage—the kind of marriage that is blessed with abiding faith, dancing, and laughter. Gail embraced Buzz’s huge extended family and became a wonderful friend to Buzz’s daughters and a doting grandmother to four grandchildren, who loved her dearly.
Gail was truly generous: with her creativity, time, helpfulness, kindness, and love. She clocked decades of hours volunteering. She was an invaluable volunteer and was a Board Member for the Lourdes Hospital Auxiliary, increasing her regular hours to full-time each October to January so that she could festoon Lourdes with her original designs, decorations and tree trimmings, giving joy to Lourdes patients and employees for many years. With a flair for fashion and merchandising, she was instrumental in selecting gift shop items and jewelry and crafting displays, contributing immeasurably in ways that benefited Lourdes Hospital patients and medical services. She also was an active member of St. Thomas More Parish, where she volunteered regularly. For a number of years she was a member of the Potting Shed Garden Club.
Gail was a nurturer. She had an eye for color and interior design and created a beautiful home, with heartwarming touches on every hearth, counter and in each corner. She was an antiques aficionado, with expertise in quilts, spinning wheels, baskets and rustic farm tools.
An unparalleled champion of animals, Gail rescued, nursed to health, and, along with Buzz, provided homes for dozens of cats and dogs in need. She had an encyclopedic knowledge of plants and nurtured hundreds of them in and around her home, being especially proud of her complete collection of succulents.
Gail is survived by her husband of 32 years, Gerald James LaGesse. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin Mitchell and Frances Gibson Mitchell Perkins.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Rev. Brad Whistle officiating.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, August 25, 2017 at Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah. Prayers will be said at 4:45 p.m.
Donations in her name may be made to Lourdes Hospital Auxiliary, Lourdes Hospital, 1500 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, Kentucky, 42001.
You may leave a message or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com
