On Tuesday, June 18, Gail Helene Sheraw (née Beaumariage) joined her beloved husband, Dennis Sheraw at what is suspected to be the very best party in the afterlife. We are certain there is dancing, excellent live music, lots of laughter and legendary shenanigans. Someone may need to tie a big ball of yarn to their bumper so they find their car to get home (IYKYK).
Gail’s passing was preceded by a brief and notably graceful battle with lung cancer. Gail had no patience for silliness such as cancer, and she was not going to let it slow her down with all its falderal. She had a dinner party with all her usual hoopla in week five of treatment. Soon after her last treatment, she restyled the bathroom counters in her cherished, Decor-magazine-worthy villa in The Villages.
Despite her earlier wishes to go out under a failed parachute and die broke, she did neither. She passed at home, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren, and snuggled by her beloved Shih Tzu, Max – who she loved more than a Pinot Grigio on the lanai.
With Gail’s classic “method to the madness” she normalized the impossible thought of Gail not being with us. Right up to the end, she brought order to the chaos and made everything easier and more convenient for her surviving loved ones. As she would say, “Bingo bango.”
Gail lived a thousand years in the 81 calendar years we had with her. She never ran out of things to say, fun to have, places to go, or people to meet. She disarmed life with a big hug, an inappropriate joke, and then served it coq au vin and peach cobbler.
Born on Christmas Eve 1942 in Providence, Rhode Island, she was a spirited tomboy in a world of proper young ladies. She told tales of gigging frogs in the summer, ice skating in the winter, and savoring Maine lobster every chance she got.
By the late 1960s, Gail was in Washington, D.C. with top-secret security clearance working for the CIA (no, seriously, the CIA). One day she met Dennis, a dashing military intelligence officer, and embarked on a whirlwind European tour that solidified their lifelong partnership. Guided by the book, “Europe on a Dollar a Day,” Gail and Dennis danced, dined and skied through the French Alps, down the Matterhorn, and choreographed charming escapades through several European cities — including a stint where Dennis pursued professional race car driving.
The call of duty led them back to the U.S. where Dennis joined the FBI, and Gail continued to create welcoming homes and vibrant social circles wherever they moved.
The Sheraws moved to St. Croix in 1976 when Dennis took a position with Hess Oil Refinery. Their 42 years on the island were filled with a great business (Dennis Sheraw & Associates), community, courage and creativity, all while sharing their home and hearts with their island family.
A talented painter and skier, Gail inspired many with her fearlessness and pursuit of dreams. She often encouraged her children with a firm yet playful, “You can have anything in the world if you work for it.”
Gail is remembered by many as a strong island woman. She was tough as nails and up for any challenge. She made her own lobster snares from tan-tan, changed the oil on generators and rode out the infamous Hurricane Hugo under the family pool table — Holy Camole! When the storm passed, she and Dennis and the kids cleaned the pool and started the party, serving friends dinner and drinks (with ice — an exquisite post-storm commodity).
All who knew Gail were inspired by her pursuit of good, plain fun. Her Gail-isms are legend, and to all reading this today, she would say, “You’ll be fine.”
Gail is mourned and celebrated by her daughter, Julie Erikson (Gil), son, Chad Sheraw (Perry), and grandchildren: Parker Sheraw, Kaitlin Erikson and Serena Sheraw, who carry forward her legacy of strength and positivity. She is also mourned by her extended family and the many friends she treated like family.
In line with her upbeat, spirited outlook, no memorial services are planned. Gail believed in celebrating life rather than mourning. Condolences or fond memories of Gail can be shared with the family via perrysheraw@gmail.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Saving with Soul Pet Rescue (www.savewithsoul.com) or a charity of your choice in Gail’s memory.
Or, just find the fun in every day because that is exactly what Gail would want you to do.
