Obituary of Gail Janet Foell

To view the livestream of the service, please click HERE.

We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear mother and grandmother, Gail Janet Foell, on December 22, 2025.  She was born in Brantford, Ontario and was adopted at a young age by her new parents, Carl and Emma M. (Madge) Zarnke (née Eby). They relocated to Kitchener-Waterloo with her new brother Donald.

Gail married Donald R. Foell in 1953 and they enjoyed life's many adventures together until his passing in 2023.

She was a wonderful mother to Steven Foell (Teresa) and Susan Gow (predeceased - Robert Linder / Douglas Gow).

Gail was a loving grandmother to Nicholas Linder, Isaac Foell, Aaron Foell (Amanda), and Rebecca Pinnell (Andrew), and a great-grandmother to Riley, Noah, Carly (predeceased), Eli, Malachi, Ellie, and Brooke.  Gail adopted Nicholas after Susan passed away, which was a source of much joy and support in both of their lives.

Gail loved her family very much and often said being a mother and grandmother was the highlight of her life.  Before that, she had a successful career which included Secretary to the President at DeLuxe Upholstering.  She volunteered as a Pink Lady at KW (Grand River) Hospital which brought her much joy.

After being married, Gail fell in love with cottage life.  First having a small cottage at Belwood Lake that her husband Don built, they later moved to a lakefront cottage in Southampton, and finally moved up the road during retirement to a lovely 4 season summer home near the woods and golf course.

Gail always found beauty in the everyday.  She loved decorating and her home and cottage were always warm and inviting.  She loved walking along the beach, window shopping, playing tennis, and dining at restaurants - especially at Armen's Cafe with a group. She was an avid gardener, creating beautiful gardens and flower arrangements at the cottage.  

Gail loved garage sales and thrift shopping, finding beautiful, unique pieces and hidden gems. She built up a collection of blue and white plates, Toby mugs, and other antiques and collectibles that inspired a love of hunting for treasures in her family.

Gail was an incredible cook and baker. Her Christmas cookies were anticipated all year long, often with entire batches disappearing from the refrigerator before the holidays.  Her chocolate chip cookies never lasted long, and her deviled eggs were always the first to go at gatherings.

Gail loved life's small pleasures - a good book, a delicious dessert, a good television program, an interesting crossword puzzle, or most importantly, a visit or call from a loved one.  She had a great sense of humour, often being lovingly called "sassy" by the people who knew her.

More than anything, Gail brought joy and comfort into the lives of those she knew.  She worked tirelessly to make visits, holidays, and every day a pleasure for all, but also knew how to slow down, relax, and enjoy being with everyone.  She inspired and brought happiness to many people she met throughout her life, from family and old friends, to new friends and caregivers later in life.

Visitation will take place at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S, Waterloo, on Saturday January 10, 2026 at 2:30pm followed by a Funeral service in the chapel of the funeral home at 3 p.m., with a reception to follow in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception Room. Private family interment to take place at a later date.

A livestream and recording of the funeral service will be available on Gail’s tribute page at http://www.erbgood.com.

In lieu of flowers, condolences for the family or donations to the Alzheimer's Society or Terry Fox Foundation may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or at http://www.erbgood.com.