Gail Knight Derick died after a brief illness on March 23, surrounded by her loving family. She was 89.

Gail was born on May 25, 1934 in Brockton and attended Middlebury College where she met her husband Phil. Her passion for life was contagious and she shared her love through everything she did: grade school and nursery school teacher, health care worker, hospice volunteer.

Her favorite part of life was being a mother and devoted wife. She walked her children from infants into adulthood and was as proud of them as they were to call her Mom.

Gail shared a love of sports with her husband, in particular the Boston Red Sox when Phil took on the role as a team ambassador in 2001. She accompanied him to many games and loved assisting in the role of fan services. Together they filled countless requests for Fenway Fan packs from around the world and even helped take the World Series trophy on tour in 2004.

In recent years Gail found another passion following the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, watching games from her couch while holding hands with Phil every chance she got.

She was predeceased by her father F. Stuart Knight, and grandson Jack Knight Derick. She was also pre-deceased by her aunt Ruth Johnson and uncle Mort Johnson and her aunt Barbara Knight and uncle Carl Knight, who all played vital roles in Gail’s formative years, providing a wonderful family life in which she could grow

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Philip, her children, Jim (Jody), Jennifer (Matthew) and Alison (Emily).

She is also survived by her loving grandchildren: Michael, Christopher, Ryan, Meghan Gail, Caroline and Theo, as well as her great granddaughter Alessia.

Her extended family included cousins Fritz Knight, Carl Knight and Marny Walsh, all of whom she adored.

Gail’s presence will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her brilliant love and infectious laughter will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her. May she rest in peace, knowing she made the world such a brighter place.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 6 at 11 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lord’s Pantry C/O Christ Episcopal Church, 4030 Manatee Avenue West, Bradenton Fla. 34205 in honor of Gail’s lifelong commitment to supporting people in need.