Mikuliak, Gail Jean
Gail Jean Mikuliak
Gail Jean Mikuliak (née: Rodwell) passed away peacefully at Providence Place in Moose Jaw, SK on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at the age of 84 years.
Gail was born in Moose Jaw on April 14th, 1939 and lived her entire life in the city. She was educated at Prince Arthur Elementary School, Central Collegiate, and Peacock Technical High School. A talented pianist, Gail began teaching piano in her teen years and continued to teach students, young and old, for sixty years. Following high school graduation, Gail began working at Saskatchewan Government Telephones. There she met the love of her life, Orris. Orris and Gail married in 1961. Gail remained at home once her two sons were born and also successfully dealt with the challenges of major back surgery, lung surgery, and breast cancer, all prior to 1975. She was resilient and eventually found herself back at work, with students and staff, as a secretary at Ross School, Peacock and Central High Schools. Music was always present in Gail’s life, whether it was teaching piano students, accompanying choirs or soloists, singing Soprano in the Zion Church Choir, or enjoying the music making of her sons and grandchildren. She often had a knitting or needlework project on the go, needlepoint pictures and afghans, just to name a few. Upon retirement, Gail and Orris enjoyed traveling to many places until her physical difficulties would no longer allow them to do so.
She was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Elizabeth Rodwell; and brother-in-law, John Oparyk. Gail is survived by her husband, Orris; sister, Gwen Gordy; sister-in-law, Wilma Oparyk; sons, Brian (Shauna) and David (Marina); and her four beloved grandchildren: Joel, Makita (Duane), Jalen (Andie), and Mataya. As well, she leaves behind many cousins and lifelong friends, of whom she was extremely fond.
Prior to her struggle with Dementia, Gail was warm and giving with tireless energy. Always quick to laugh and smile, she was one who enjoyed a game of cards and good company. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.
Sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Providence Place, who cared compassionately for Gail in her final weeks. Thanks also to Dr. Mark Brown whose care and friendship over the past 25 years have been so greatly appreciated and valued by our family.
The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 15th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. in the Zion United Church Sanctuary, 423 Main St N, Moose Jaw, SK with Reverend Tim Ellis officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory may be made to support her lifelong faith home, Zion United Church. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Orris, Brian, David and Families; We send our deepest condolences on Gail’s passing. We hope your many wonderful memories of days gone by, will sustain you during this very difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sending our most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family
Gail has left such a long-lasting legacy in our community, and will be remembered with love and appreciation for her devotion to God, her family and her gift of music.
Much love and many prayers for peace and comfort. Our deepest condolences.
My sincerest condolences to all of you on the loss of this lovely woman. Adrienne
Sincere Sympathy to Orris and Family. May you find comfort in knowing you were kind and caring during her earthly days. Cherish the many good memories of a life well lived❤️ Hugs
Orris, Brian, David and families — We were saddened to hear about Gail/your Mom’s passing. She was such a fine lady, she was always so cheerful and looking at life with a positive point of view. Professionally, she was so reliable and proficient we always knew things were in good hands if Gayle was looking after it. Our deepest condolences.
My prayers to you David and your family during this difficult time.
My most heart felt condolences! As a member of Zion United Churches Joy Singers and the multitude of years as Mrs Mikuliak piano student, i was fortunate for her tutelage and her guidance as a young musician. Very sorry for your loss.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers and love go out to you
Prayers Orris, Brian Dave and your families. I will always remember Gayle as being incredibly kind and always always smiling. She was a great friend to many. My mom dearly loved Gayle she will be missed
Dear Orris, David and family.
We are sorry to hear of Gail’s passing.
She was beauty, joy and talent and will be greatly missed.
Our deepest condolences.
Sheena Lawson and family of Lethbridge.
Dear Orris, Brian, David and family,
I was very sad to hear of ‘Aunty’ Gail’s passing. I will always remember her lovely smile and kindness. She was such a talented pianist and played so beautifully with Brian at my mom’s funeral. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time,
Karen Duke and family
Orris, Brian, David and families.
Although, at such a time as this, There’s little one can do. I hope it helps in some way to know, that Florence, myself and family are thinking of you. Our love goes out to you.
Brian & David, my thoughts are with you at this time.
Orris, Brian, David and family. I was so deeply saddened to hear of Gail’s passing.My sincere condolences to all of you.
Orris, Brian and David and family, I learned today of Gail’s passing. I pray you will feel God’s peace and comfort in your quiet moments with memories of this great matriarch in your family! Gail was a strong and loving presence in the lives of all who knew her. As a student at Ross School, I was quite certain that I was her favourite. It took me many years to realize that perhaps every child felt that way! Through my school and university years, when circumstances caused us to meet, she would ask how I was doing, then extend genuine encouragement. I treasured the card I received from her in the mail on my graduation. I have thought of her often through the years and cherish the memories I have of her kind and cheerful ways. May Heaven’s blessings rest on each of you!