In Celebration of
Gale Taylor
June 24, 1948 - December 14, 2024
A life well lived.
With great sadness but also with marvelous memories, the family announces that Gale died peacefully, with her husband Paul at her side, on Saturday December 14, 2024. Gale was born on St. Jean Baptiste Day: June 24th, 1948, in Montreal; and particularly as a child, but throughout her life, she insisted that the fireworks and celebrations were in her honour.
She was the daughter of the late Wiiliam J. and Rose Strain. Her parents humorously named her Catherine Gale Strain, to be known as Gale. She became C. Gale Strain (strain what?). At the time of their marriage 54 years ago, Gale and Paul thought about joining their names, C. Gale Strain Taylor was a name too far.
Gale is survived by her sister Margaret (George), and brothers Bill (Lorraine), and Peter (Brianna); and brother-in-law Peter Taylor. She was predeceased by her sister Patti (Dave).
In the fall of 1965, Gale enrolled at Bishop’s University and the next year she and Paul began dating, and were together for almost 60 years. Following their marriage in 1970, Gale and Paul lived in Fredericton for two years until they embarked for the promised land in 1972. It was another of their many adventures.
With the fortitude of the pioneers, they were undeterred by the gentleman who, as they drove in their tiny New Brunswick plated car, baby Alec in the back seat, yelled “coaster go home!” Paul and Gale thought, “If he only knew where they were originally from!”
Gale and Paul took up residence in what was then known as the Town of Mississauga. Eric was born a couple of years later. Gale taught for decades at Applewood Heights Secondary School. She was part of crew of teachers who were as eccentric as they were bright and dedicated, they loved teaching kids, and they loved life.
One memorable day, Gale came upon an incipient post football game brawl featuring T.L. Kennedy students (older son Alec’s school) and Applewood (her school) students. Wading into the middle of this testosterone maelstrom and knowing all the kids by name she called them out and told them to stop the nonsense.
Gale was aided in her teaching endeavours by her Dog Guide foster puppies, Wally, Dreyfus, Fergus, and Mackie, who soon became part of the fabric of the school. One of her fondest memories was taking a group of kids who had never seen snow out of class for an impromptu tobogganing party on cafeteria trays down the Applewood reservoir hill.
Gale was the support that Paul needed to sustain his career as the Crown Attorney for Peel Region, and then as a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice. Never complaining about the late evenings, missed dinners, or absences for out-of-town cases, she accepted, without complaint, the succession of police officers who would arrive at all hours and on weekends when Paul was on the After Hours Warrant Team. She did suggest to one frequent visitor that next time he should wear his gardening clothes.
Gale and Paul had marvelous adventures kayaking on the coasts of British Columbia and Newfoundland, and bicycle tours including the Dempster Highway through the Yukon and the NWT. They travelled all through the Caribbean basin to allow Paul to SCUBA dive. One of their favourite places was Costa Rica, where on one memorable occasion Gale learned the correct term for ice cream in Spanish was “scoops” rather than “balls.” They also enjoyed visiting the Panama Canal, Columbia, and the Galapagos.
As they matured, Gale and Paul travelled more to Europe, visiting all the classic locations, including Iceland. Their last trip was to Greece, culminating in a humorous, but ill-advised donkey ride down from the acropolis in Rhodes.
Gale was fiercely proud of her sons Alec and Eric, not just for their obvious professional achievements, but the fact that they are great sons, husbands, and fathers. Gale always tried to create a home filled with joy and laughter and was always there to pick up the pieces.
To broaden Alec and Eric’s scope, the family took a trip to England, Scotland, and Wales. The boys were teenagers, and after visiting London, the family picked up the rental car, headed north for Cambridge, hit the first roundabout, and spent the night in Hastings. After that, Paul drove, Gale read the map, Alec called out directions, and Eric prayed for all.
Another family trip was an infamous Cape Chignecto kayak trip. The Bay of Fundy is notorious for its high tides, fog and fierce on shore wind. The family ended up marooned on a shingle beach, despite Gale’s admonitions to anchor their tent securely, Paul and Gale were greeted by the sight of their children, now adults, trapped in their tent barreling down the beach.
In her retirement, Gale was active in Lifelong Learning Mississauga, a dynamic group that proves you are never too old to learn new things. She continued with Dog Guides welcoming Tucker, Lando and little Kirie into her home. Not content that the dogs would be well trained, she exposed them to the finer things in life, the ROM, TSO, and Soulpepper Theatre, although on one occasion Tucker had his tail stepped on by one of the performers. Tucker was nonplussed and no worse the wear.
Gale also enjoyed the company, and laughter of her Monday and Friday bridge groups. Gale had a deep and abiding affection for her daughters-in-laws Fiona and Christina and was so pleased that the boys married well.
The apples of Gale’s eye were “BM3”, grandkids Brendan, Maeve, Michael, and Mia. Gale was keenly interested in all their activities, and carefully selected photos of their activities for the annual family calendar. As her health declined, Gale was so pleased to go with Fiona, Christina, Maeve, and Mia to see My Fair Lady.
The family would be remise if they did not express their gratitude to Gale’s caregivers: Dr. Deepa Wadwa, her medical oncologist, Dr. Louie Mavrogiannis, her palliative care physician, and Dr. Jennifer Barretta, her family doctor, who epitomizes what a family doctor is supposed to be.
Gale had many friends, three of whom were with her in the most trying last days, Donna Del Re, her Applewood buddy, Caroline Cassim, her Bishop’s roommate, and Vicky Dorosch, gardener, dog walker and purveyor of goodies from Niagara.
If you have read this missive, you will realize the family are heartbroken, but rejoicing in the love and laughter of a life well lived. Gale has been cremated, and at her request there will be no funeral. The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring.
In the meantime, in lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice, hug a loved one, or do something kind.
Online condolences may be made using this website.
With great sadness but also with marvelous memories, the family announces that Gale died peacefully, with her husband Paul at her side, on Saturday December 14, 2024. Gale was born on St. Jean Baptiste Day: June 24th, 1948, in Montreal; and particularly as a child, but throughout her life, she insisted that the fireworks and celebrations were in her honour.
She was the daughter of the late Wiiliam J. and Rose Strain. Her parents humorously named her Catherine Gale Strain, to be known as Gale. She became C. Gale Strain (strain what?). At the time of their marriage 54 years ago, Gale and Paul thought about joining their names, C. Gale Strain Taylor was a name too far.
Gale is survived by her sister Margaret (George), and brothers Bill (Lorraine), and Peter (Brianna); and brother-in-law Peter Taylor. She was predeceased by her sister Patti (Dave).
In the fall of 1965, Gale enrolled at Bishop’s University and the next year she and Paul began dating, and were together for almost 60 years. Following their marriage in 1970, Gale and Paul lived in Fredericton for two years until they embarked for the promised land in 1972. It was another of their many adventures.
With the fortitude of the pioneers, they were undeterred by the gentleman who, as they drove in their tiny New Brunswick plated car, baby Alec in the back seat, yelled “coaster go home!” Paul and Gale thought, “If he only knew where they were originally from!”
Gale and Paul took up residence in what was then known as the Town of Mississauga. Eric was born a couple of years later. Gale taught for decades at Applewood Heights Secondary School. She was part of crew of teachers who were as eccentric as they were bright and dedicated, they loved teaching kids, and they loved life.
One memorable day, Gale came upon an incipient post football game brawl featuring T.L. Kennedy students (older son Alec’s school) and Applewood (her school) students. Wading into the middle of this testosterone maelstrom and knowing all the kids by name she called them out and told them to stop the nonsense.
Gale was aided in her teaching endeavours by her Dog Guide foster puppies, Wally, Dreyfus, Fergus, and Mackie, who soon became part of the fabric of the school. One of her fondest memories was taking a group of kids who had never seen snow out of class for an impromptu tobogganing party on cafeteria trays down the Applewood reservoir hill.
Gale was the support that Paul needed to sustain his career as the Crown Attorney for Peel Region, and then as a judge of the Ontario Court of Justice. Never complaining about the late evenings, missed dinners, or absences for out-of-town cases, she accepted, without complaint, the succession of police officers who would arrive at all hours and on weekends when Paul was on the After Hours Warrant Team. She did suggest to one frequent visitor that next time he should wear his gardening clothes.
Gale and Paul had marvelous adventures kayaking on the coasts of British Columbia and Newfoundland, and bicycle tours including the Dempster Highway through the Yukon and the NWT. They travelled all through the Caribbean basin to allow Paul to SCUBA dive. One of their favourite places was Costa Rica, where on one memorable occasion Gale learned the correct term for ice cream in Spanish was “scoops” rather than “balls.” They also enjoyed visiting the Panama Canal, Columbia, and the Galapagos.
As they matured, Gale and Paul travelled more to Europe, visiting all the classic locations, including Iceland. Their last trip was to Greece, culminating in a humorous, but ill-advised donkey ride down from the acropolis in Rhodes.
Gale was fiercely proud of her sons Alec and Eric, not just for their obvious professional achievements, but the fact that they are great sons, husbands, and fathers. Gale always tried to create a home filled with joy and laughter and was always there to pick up the pieces.
To broaden Alec and Eric’s scope, the family took a trip to England, Scotland, and Wales. The boys were teenagers, and after visiting London, the family picked up the rental car, headed north for Cambridge, hit the first roundabout, and spent the night in Hastings. After that, Paul drove, Gale read the map, Alec called out directions, and Eric prayed for all.
Another family trip was an infamous Cape Chignecto kayak trip. The Bay of Fundy is notorious for its high tides, fog and fierce on shore wind. The family ended up marooned on a shingle beach, despite Gale’s admonitions to anchor their tent securely, Paul and Gale were greeted by the sight of their children, now adults, trapped in their tent barreling down the beach.
In her retirement, Gale was active in Lifelong Learning Mississauga, a dynamic group that proves you are never too old to learn new things. She continued with Dog Guides welcoming Tucker, Lando and little Kirie into her home. Not content that the dogs would be well trained, she exposed them to the finer things in life, the ROM, TSO, and Soulpepper Theatre, although on one occasion Tucker had his tail stepped on by one of the performers. Tucker was nonplussed and no worse the wear.
Gale also enjoyed the company, and laughter of her Monday and Friday bridge groups. Gale had a deep and abiding affection for her daughters-in-laws Fiona and Christina and was so pleased that the boys married well.
The apples of Gale’s eye were “BM3”, grandkids Brendan, Maeve, Michael, and Mia. Gale was keenly interested in all their activities, and carefully selected photos of their activities for the annual family calendar. As her health declined, Gale was so pleased to go with Fiona, Christina, Maeve, and Mia to see My Fair Lady.
The family would be remise if they did not express their gratitude to Gale’s caregivers: Dr. Deepa Wadwa, her medical oncologist, Dr. Louie Mavrogiannis, her palliative care physician, and Dr. Jennifer Barretta, her family doctor, who epitomizes what a family doctor is supposed to be.
Gale had many friends, three of whom were with her in the most trying last days, Donna Del Re, her Applewood buddy, Caroline Cassim, her Bishop’s roommate, and Vicky Dorosch, gardener, dog walker and purveyor of goodies from Niagara.
If you have read this missive, you will realize the family are heartbroken, but rejoicing in the love and laughter of a life well lived. Gale has been cremated, and at her request there will be no funeral. The family is planning a celebration of life in the spring.
In the meantime, in lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice, hug a loved one, or do something kind.
Online condolences may be made using this website.