In Loving Memory of
Gail Patricia Woodruff U.E.
1947 - 2022
Obituary of Gail Patricia Woodruff U.E.
Gail Patricia Woodruff U.E. passed away on June 22, 2022 in Fort Erie, ON, after a long battle with cancer. Born in Niagara Falls, Gail was the daughter of Milfred Reginald Woodruff and Patricia Price. Predeceased by her husband Michael John McDermott (2004). Loving mother of Erin Kathleen (Battis) Walker (Carl), Conor James Battis (Amanda), Miranda (Whiteley) Joosten (Nick) and Jocelyn (Whiteley) Boodram (Jason). Doting grandmother of Aurora and Montgomery Battis, Cohen and Grayson Walker, and Gabriel, Avion, and Julian Boodram.Gail taught in the Niagara area schools for 33 years before retiring in 2000. She was very active in the United Empire Loyalists’ Association and was a Past President of the Colonel John Butler Branch. She was very proud of her Loyalist heritage and was always eager to help others with family research. For many years she volunteered on Mondays with the Ontario Genealogical Society at the Thorold Library. She was active in several historical organizations and enjoyed researching the history of the early settlers of the Niagara Region. Gail spent many years researching the original land grants along the Niagara River and that book was published as “Loyalists and Early Settlers on the Niagara River Parkway” in 2011. Gail also spent over 30 years researching her “Woodruff” family and she published that book in the fall of 2021.
She was a 20-year volunteer with the Nova House Book Riot and had been a member of that committee for many years.
Gail became enthralled with the re-enacting of the War of 1812 and was a member of the Canadian Volunteers re-enacting group and the 2nd Lincoln Militia, along with her grandson Monty.
Gail and her family are very appreciative of the loving care and friendship from her oncologists and nurses at the Walker Family Cancer Centre and the Para Med Team of Dr. Dooler and Lilyia. Enough thanks and love cannot be given to her family, cousin/sister Georgia and neighbours Helene, Cherrie and Mike.
Friends and family are welcome to a Celebration of Gail’s life at Betty’s Restaurant, 8921 Sodom Rd., Niagara Falls on Saturday, July 9 from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. Memorial donations may be made to Pathstone Mental Health or the Walker Family Cancer Centre.
Service Information
A Celebration of Life
Date: July 9, 2022Start Time: 11:30 am
End Time: 2:00 pm
Venue: Betty’s Restaurant, 8921 Sodom Rd., Niagara Falls
https://g.page/bettyscanada?share
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Walker Family Cancer CentreVisit Site
Pathstone Mental Health
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I wasn’t aware that Gail had passed last year. So very sorry to hear. Our families knew each other. We lived on Scott St next door to them growing up. We became close neighbours. When Florence was in the nursing home she held my baby daughter when she was born and celebrated her 100th. We loved the whole family. We were fond of Pat and Mil. They are all together now. Rest in peace Pat. Condolences to the family. Rosemary (Crosby) and Joanne (Ewings) and Magda Juhas
So sorry for the loss of Gail. My deepest condolences to her family. I enjoyed talking with her and sharing photos of the Woodruff family. I’m thankful that she was able to publish the Canadian Woodruffs for all of us to learn her research.
I had the pleasure of teaching with Gail at James Morden School. She also lived around the corner from me in Chippawa where we would engage in conversations “in the hood” or at the local grocery store. We talked of her illness ( she was so brave) but mostly conversations centred around her children and grandchildren. She was so proud and loved them very much. She will be missed greatly – My deepest condolences to all her loved family.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Gail was a warm and loving person and a cherished friend. The wonderful times we spent together will always be treasured.
si sorry for your loss i used to see her all the time at the book riot (except this year) and will miss her I think we might have been cousins as some of my Stewart family married into the Woodruff family she was a very nice lady
I met Gail through family history; her ggg aunt was my 2nd great grandmother- Edna (Cook) Crysler. Gail was always generous, helpful, friendly, and interesting. I recently reached out to her not realizing she was in ill health. She will be missed.
My thoughts and condolences are with Gail’s family. Gail was a thoughtful and fun loving person and I was blessed to be one of her friends.
The times spent with her will always be treasured.
So very sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. I was fortunate to meet this lovely lady many years ago when she generously invited me to her home to share family research with me. She helped me to fill in many gaps in my own family history, and even had a picture of my great grandfather that I had spent years looking for.
Her knowledge of Loyalist Niagara families was impressive and will be a huge loss to that community. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.
I have sad news today on learning that my cousin and co-author Gail Woodruff passed away on June 22 2022. It was a long battle with cancer but in the end she did achieve the publishing of our book “Canadian Woodruffs” as her final goal. Rosemary and I send our condolences to her children and grandchildren and hope that they can take solace in the many wonderful things that Gail had accomplished in her lifetime. Rest well Gail.
I worked with Gail at James Morden School. At that time, she was busy juggling raising four children and working full-time and I remember wondering how she did it! I send my condolences to her family and wish them comfort during this sad time.
I was saddened to learn of Gail’s passing. We wrote many essays together and taught together for many years.! She was such a dedicated teacher and mentor to others.
Our thoughts & condolences are with the family. Gail was a special lady who we always looked forward to spending time with.
Conor and family- I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of Gail at the house on chipman. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. We are certainly going to miss our special neighbour of 35 years.
She was always there to lend a helping hand and kind words.
Be at peace, our friend!
To Gail’s family my heartfelt condolences. I taught with your Mom for many years. We shared a lot of laughs.. She was a very special person and will be missed. May your memories help your sorrow. Speak her name often.
Conor, Amanda and Family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Thinking of you. Our deepest condolences.
Phyllis and Mike Burke ❤
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Please accept our heart felt condolences on the recent passing of your Mom. Gail was a member of our Retired Women Teachers of Ontario. Through her teaching career and involvement in other activities she touched the lives of many and will not be forgotten. Cherish your personal memories and hold them close to your hearts.
Sincerely Niagara Falls RWTO