It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the loss of our beloved Gail Allison Colwell, a mother, sister, aunty, and dear friend to many. We are reaching out to the community for their assistance and support. This fundraiser will contribute to her memorial ceremony planned on Saturday June 29th, 2024 (details below). A donation to a non-profit organization, The Mohawk-Cree Teepee, will be given in exchange of holding the memorial ceremony on the sacred land, and excess proceeds will go into other funeral expenses.
On May 20th, 2024, after returning home from a weekend away in New York, dancing to her favourite music, Gail took her own life at the young age of 53 years old. This comes as a surprise to many, as Gail was known for being that person who always reached out and checked in on people. We now know that she had been dealing with her own battles.
After the loss of her longtime partner who passed on five years ago, Gail finally felt ready to open her heart and let someone in. She was vulnerable and excited to relive these emotions with someone new. Unfortunately, she found out that this person was not who they said they were, and she’d been deceived. On top of the heartache, she found herself in a bad financial situation, as she believed her newfound interest was coming to meet her and pay back the money she had sent him. We believe that this was her final straw and what lead up to her final decision.
Gail was the youngest daughter of Ralph Colwell and Mary Ellen Solomon. She is survived by her only son Brandon Colwell, her brothers, Edward, William and Peter, her sisters, April, Linda, Sarah and Ruth, her nieces and nephews, and many cousins.
There are no simple words to express what enormous loss this has been for her family, and her community family. She did her best as a mother, caring sister, beloved daughter, and great friend. She was a beacon of beauty both inside and out. She was one of the most caring people anyone knew. She always made sure everyone was taken care of before she was. Gail’s reach was far, her warm smile, and soft quiet voice, great big hugs, will never be forgotten and surely missed. Gail had an uncanny ability to somehow make everyone in her large circle feel loved and special.
She loved the music scene in Montreal, travelled to many places around the world following her passion for the electronic music scene. Many nights were spent dancing away to so many wonderful musical journeys. Never alone and always surrounded by family and friends. She truly was above and beyond, and this tragedy has left a giant hole in our hearts.
However unreal this feels, it is our new reality. She will be missed tremendously. We find comfort in knowing that Gail has finally found peace and has returned to Spirit World, where she will be reunited with all her family and friends who have passed away.
In that light, we would like to focus on the bright impact of Gail's life and hear everyone’s great memories of her special soul.
Your presence is the most important gift you can give our Beloved Gail Colwell at her Memorial at the Kahnawake - Mohawk/Teepee on June 29th, 2024 @ 1PM.
As we cherish Gail's memory, let us recall her radiant spirit and the love she shared, forever etched in our hearts. This support from all of you will help to make her last service wonderful and everything she would have wanted.
Sincerely, we thank you so much for supporting Gail’s family during this tough time.
The Colwell family