FRANCES TOLAN

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Duluth, MN     08/06/2010 8:52 AM

Gail, Bob, Danny, and Lori–you have my deepest sympathy. You have lost a witty and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. I have only lost a wonderful friend from the past. This is so hard to write because Gail is the first really good friend from Duluth who has left us, and I feel as though a chunk of me is gone too. Gail and I talked on the telephone for longer periods of time than I have ever talked to anyone. We talked and gossiped as she, Joanie, and I walked together to Longfellow, West Junior, and finally Denfeld; we argued about politics and worried about what test Mrs. Bartle was going to spring on us that day. Joanie and I would always tease and fuss at Gail for sleeping so late, and eating her toast on the way to class. Gail, however, frequently had the last word using that wry sense of humor of hers to end most of our conversations in laughter. Then on winter evenings or on weekends, Jean and Maureen would join us for part of our snowy walks to the skating rink and back. What did we talk about all that time? Boys? School? Parties? Certainly not sports because Gail and I were comrades in sneaking out of gym class every chance we got. No sweating or competition for us. Then of course came Bob, and we three would sit outside my house on Grand Avenue and talk for hours. I think the police once stopped Bob on the drive home and told him to drive with both hands on the wheel. Ah, the joy of those old cars, of which Bob now has a few. These days I will miss the long, long Christmas letters I always got from Gail even if they were, like my own, two months late. She told me all the news of her family and our “special gang of friends,” and made me feel as though I was still back in Duluth. I will miss the unique humor, too, that still permeated those letters. I am glad I had a chance to carry on one of those long phone calls on her birthday, 2009, and had a chance to see her at our reunion this past September. But, as usual, there was not enough time. . . . .Now ironically, I am stuck out in the wilds of Nova Scotia without a telephone–landline or wireless--that works and an internet that remains on for only short periods of time. Luckily Jim flew home yesterday, and forwarded the telephone messages from Joan and Maureen. I will call as soon as I get to civilization at the end of the week. I only wish I could be there now to tell her family and friends how special she was, but, of course, they all know that. Gerri Johnson, Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada

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Alice A.
08/02/2010 1:38 PM

Alice A Oak Hill, VA Although our paths crossed seldom because of the many miles I am away, those times I did get to visit with Gail and Bob were very memorable. Gail always made me feel like I was "back home", briefly as it was. She will truly be missed by many! My deepest sympathy. "A"

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Brenda F.
07/30/2010 8:46 AM

To the Tolan family, So sorry to hear about Gail's passing. She was a wonderful women and will be truely missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Brenda Augustyn

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