Obituary of Gail C. Hanington

Gail C. Hanington In the peaceful warmth of her home, with the love of her family surrounding her, Gail Hanington entered into Heaven. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 4, 2014, at 11:00 a.m. at the Clinton Presbyterian Church, where Gail was a member. For online condolences, see www.martinfh.com. Born on October 24, 1937, in Brooklyn New York, to Helen and George Colman, Gail grew up in Rockville Centre, New York. She had an idyllic childhood filled with soda shops, sock hops, and trips to the beach and New York City. It was during this time she developed her love of dancing which continued throughout her life. After graduating from Southside High School, Gail attended SUNY Potsdam where she was a member of the Alpha Delta sorority, enjoying the social opportunities college offered. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in education, and taught elementary school for the next several years. Gail married and had three children, moving first to Smithtown, New York, and then settling in Randolph, New Jersey where she lived and raised her family over the next 37 years. As an active member in the Morris Plains Presbyterian Church, she taught Sunday School and served as a deacon. Gail was actively involved in her children's education as well as the PTA where she spent several years as her local chapter's president. In 1972, Gail began working for Warner Lambert in Morris Plains, New Jersey and remained a faithful employee there until her retirement in 2000. Starting out in the company as an executive secretary, over her 28 years of employment she was promoted through the company's ranks ultimately advancing to become a telecommunications specialist. She embraced retired life, moving to the Reserve at Hawk Pointe in Washington N.J. in 2005. There she spent her days with friends sharing books; playing Bridge, Canasta and Bunco; and, attending social gatherings throughout the community. At Clinton Presbyterian Church, she enjoyed women's bible studies and actively participated in their Christian hospitality ministry. Gail's greatest joy, however, came from the time spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved to attend school concerts, sporting games, church events, birthday parties and family holiday gatherings. All aspects of her life were marked by an incredible drive, commitment, devotion, and an unfailing love for her family. Gail is survived by her sister, Joan Brown, her two daughters and their spouses, Cynthia Jennings and David Fresk, Patricia and Alan Gavornik, her son and his wife Robert and Carolyn Hanington, and her nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Hunterdon Hospice, who provided gentle and loving care to Gail during her final time on earth.