Obituary of Gail Frances McCarthy Fennell

Gail Frances McCarthy Fennell, born November 14, 1942 in Yonkers, New York, passed away after a brief illness in St. Vincent's hospital in Bridgeport. Gail was a long-time resident of Fairfield Connecticut. She was 82 years old. Gail was predeceased by her beloved husband Lawrence "Larry" Fennell in 2021, her mother Frances Alberta Wilmot McCarthy (2010) and her father, Vincent Timothy McCarthy (2005). She is survived by her daughter Kimberly Lyons (Tom), her cherished granddaughters Kailey and Keara Lyons, her stepdaughter Jennifer Fennell DeLucia (Merlin Muth), brother Dennis McCarthy (Debbie), and sister Diane Rutledge (John). Gail also leaves behind her nephew Taryn McCarthy, and nieces Kerry McCarthy (Shaikh Rasool), Riley McCarthy (Will Hopkins), Courtney Rutledge, and Megan Rutledge; her beloved cousins and many dear friends. Gail's life was one of dedication and achievement. She attended Sacred Heart in Yonkers, New York for both grade and high school before earning her Registered Nursing license from Lenox Hill Hospital in 1963. Her passion for nursing led her to pursue further education, earning a B.S. in nursing in 1968, an M.S. in nursing in 1971 and an M.S. in education in 1975, all from Montclaire State University. Gail's professional career spanned many decades of compassionate service, including positions at Lenox Hill hospital, St. John's Riverside Hospital, and Bronxville, New York schools. After many happy years living in Valley Cottage, NY, Gail moved to Fairfield, Connecticut where she worked in various private practices from 1982 - 1987. After retiring from professional nursing, Gail dedicated herself to care for her family. She lovingly supported her parents through their later years, assisted her daughter in raising her granddaughters and provided unwavering care to her husband during his many health challenges. Gail will be remembered for her sharp wit, infectious laugh and her warm heart. Gail learned to play the piano; she loved to paint and play golf; she was on the condo board of directors in Pico, Vermont where the family enjoyed skiing. She was an avid traveler and loved her trips to England, Paris and Italy. One of Larry and Gail's favorite destinations was Hilton Head Island, S.C. They also spent many blissful summers at the Jersey Shore, which she first visited in 1950. Her memory will forever bring comfort to those of us who knew and loved her.