Gail May West

Gail May West, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, at the age of 89. Born on October 21, 1935, in Newark, NY. Gail was cherished for her warmth, resilience, and generous spirit.

She is survived by her daughter, Shelly Ruisi West of Rochester, NY; her son, Mark Edward West (Theresa); and her grandsons, Victor West, (Leeann Terrier), and Donald West, (Lauren Kolb), all residing in Northern Virginia. Gail’s family meant the world to her, and she took immense pride in the lives and accomplishments of her children and grandchildren.

A lifelong learner and health advocate, Gail dedicated much of her life to promoting healthier, non-toxic living spaces. Due to personal health concerns, she built a toxic-free home and later became a consultant to help others create safe environments. She was also passionate about homeopathic medicine, constantly reading and researching new ways to enhance well-being.

She also took great joy in being a grandmother, sharing countless laughs and lovingly teasing her grandsons, often making them blush with her playful humor. Gail found a deep sense of connection and joy in her community at the Light on the Hill, where she loved being member of the grandmother’s circle and found a spiritual home.

With an artist’s eye, Gail loved to create walking sticks and celebrated the world’s natural wonders through photography in her own unique way. Her love of nature was also evident in her beautiful gardens, where she enjoyed the company of birds and her beloved cat, Tara. Gail’s kindness, curiosity, and unwavering commitment to family and community will be remembered and deeply missed.

Her children would like to express a deep appreciation to the nurses and caretakers at Wegman’s Family Cottages where she was so well cared for during the past two years. We knew she was in good hands and truly loved there.

The family will host a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the charity of your choice in her honor.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gail May West, please visit our floral store.