CASWELL: Elizabeth Gail

After a full life, well lived Elizabeth Gail Caswell passed away quietly on December 23, 2021 in her 96th year. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Clive Caswell M.D., O.B.E., M.C., Co;. R.C.A.M.C. and her step daughter Lana (Terry), she is survived by her children, Robin ( Antek); Mark ( Jill) , Michael (Anne) and step children Louise (George), Thomas (Gail) and Jennifer (Alex) , 22 grandchildren and 22 great- grandchildren, lovingly known to all as “Grammie”.

Gail was a daughter of Goderich (4th generation). She loved the town and its surrounding countryside where her family roots and friendships ran deep. One of her favourite pastimes was to “take a drive”, meandering through the streets and country lanes recalling the history of homes, farms, and their inhabitants. She had an incredible memory and would regale us all with colourful stories that seemingly went back generations.

Gail was full of fun with an incredible imagination. Her children’s birthday parties were particularly memorable…if not wild! Pirate’s dens; tea parties, train trips; Irish shindigs to name a few. She loved to sing and was often found around the piano harmonizing with family on a Sunday afternoon. The repertoire was not entirely religious, often including familiar war tunes and fun-filled ballads to enchant the children. More recently she enjoyed afternoons singing along with her son Mark playing his guitar.

In earlier years, she was an active member of the Goderich Little Theatre, acting in many of its plays and musicals and directing a few. Her set designs were always creative and original winning her several awards at the provincial level.

Gail was an artist at heart. Over her life, when time and opportunity allowed, she would paint…laughing clowns on nursery walls; sets for numerous plays; portraits and still life from a model, a scene or just her imagination; beautiful porcelain figurines; adorable garden gnomes; magical trains for her grandchildren and annual Christmas cards. At 94, with crippling arthritis, she picked up her brush again to contribute her talent and imagination to illustrate a book written by her daughter Robin for her great granddaughters. What a thrill for them to have paintings lovingly done by their great-grandmother.

Gail dearly loved and was deeply proud of her husband Clive. Although by her own admission not an athlete, Gail nurtured and shared his love of golf and curling. And she was surprisingly very competitive.

She also shared a love of travel with Clive. Together they took road trips across North America, cruised and travelled throughout the Mediterranean.

Despite her increasing physical disabilities, Gail maintained an interest in the world and closely followed the news and global politics. She had an incredible memory, sharp mind, quick wit, and infectious laugh.

She cherished all news of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was seen joyfully dancing with them at a family reunion in the summer! She loved and was proud of each of them. And “Grammie” was special to each of them.

Over the last years of her life, Trish Corfield, Gail’s caregiver, became a close and dear friend to Gail. Someone she loved. Trish supported Gail on a daily basis in many ways: arranging her appointments; taking her shopping and on day trips; baking her goodies…but mostly by just being there, sharing stories and quietness and encouraging her to be her best, which she was with Trish.

The family would also like to extend its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to everyone at Huronlea. Your care and compassion ensured that Gail truly had a safe and loving home in her final years. Thank you.