Gail Houlihan
Age - 82
December 7, 2023
On the 3rd of December 2023, Gail Patricia Houlihan, our beloved mother known for her wit, intelligence, and kindness, peacefully passed away. She took her last breath in the company of her husband Tom, daughter Sarah, grandson Ed, and family friend Kathleen Murray, at home in Jacksonville, FL.
Born on December 23, 1940, in Peoria, IL, Gail was the eldest of five children to Earl and Marguerite Eldred. Following high school, she attended the University of Illinois for a year but later opted to move to Chicago to work for American Airlines. It was in Chicago that she met Tom Houlihan, and after just five dates, they decided to embark on a lifelong journey together. They made their home in Chicago, where their firstborn, Erin Kathleen, came into the world. Subsequently, they moved to Minneapolis, MN, where their second child, Thomas Edward II, was born.
Amidst job changes and a desire to be closer to family, they relocated to Tom's hometown, LaCrosse, WI, and welcomed their third child, Sarah Elizabeth. Gail, a devoted wife and mother, felt a calling to contribute more. In the early 1980s, after relocating to Walkerton, IN, she returned to school, earning her Associate's degree in nursing from Purdue University. When the family moved to Grand Rapids, MI, she continued her educational journey, obtaining her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from Western Michigan University. Her calling emerged later in life, and in her late 40s, Gail became a child psychologist, guiding her patients through life's challenges with compassion and expertise.
In their retirement, after being snowbirds from Shipshewana, IN, for several years, she and Tom settled in the Jacksonville, FL, area to be closer to their youngest daughter, Sarah. They enjoyed golfing, playing cards, going to the beach, and spending time with family and friends. She developed a passion for quilting and made quilts for everyone she loved. Gail was known for a smile that could light up a room, quick wit, and kind heart.
Gail is survived by her husband of 61 years, Thomas Houlihan, daughter Erin (Robin) Harper, son Thomas Houlihan II, and daughter Sarah Firpo. Her legacy extends to her grandchildren: Joseph (Ashley) Harper, Thomas Houlihan III, Edward Harper, and Kamptyn Firpo. She also had two beautiful great grandchildren, Quinn Houlihan and Thomas Houlihan IV. She is also survived by her siblings, Jan (Jim) Kendall, Joe (Sue) Eldred, and Pat (Pam) Eldred.
The family expresses gratitude to all for the love, support, and prayers, contributing to Gail's peaceful transition. In keeping with Gail's generous spirit, they invite everyone to perform a random act of kindness in her honor during this holiday season.
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