Born September 9, 1947, in San Mateo, California, Gail was the youngest daughter of Bill and Lucy Hempelmann. Her older siblings Ann and John, and youngest brother Stephen were always close at hand in their home in Ballard, Washington. Later, all were close friends and Ann and Gail talked daily.

Gail grew up a bit of a rebel. Although she attended Catholic schools for the entirety of her education (Christ the King, Blanchet, University of Portland), she loved music and even skipped school to drive her mother’s red convertible! She was mislabeled, and perhaps misunderstood, as a child, teen and young adult which added fuel to her jumping outside the lines. At the age of twenty, Gail became a mother, but was not allowed to keep her daughter. This resulted in decades of grief that never quite subsided. After returning to university, a gentleman, Dave, who would later become her husband, finally saw her again, after he had gotten a glimpse of her and pined over her for a year! He asked her to a school dance and single life was over for those two love birds. Later that year, they married and became best friends and partners. Dave enlisted, and Gail watched and cared for him through all of his U.S. Army training. His first deployment was to Thailand. When Dave said, “You’re coming with me,” she was surprised! They certainly had an adventure 100 miles north of Bangkok, in the town of Lopburi! Their house was on stilts to keep the snakes out and they had a one-burner stove. Gail got to sight-see, and Dave got to train the Thai troops! This is where her love of elephants was born. The young couple returned to the States and made a home in Portland, Oregon. Making friends, working a variety of jobs and loving each other. They became parents soon after their return, to Rachel, in whom they poured their love, hopes and dreams for health and happiness. The grandparents were thrilled and Rachel and Dave were the center of her world. Several years later, they welcomed Meghan into the family about the same time they all got a family home and joy abounded! Meghan got the same love and hopes and dreams poured over her. And the home became filled with laughter, singing and dancing! Gail was so talented. She could learn and adapt to anything. She sewed matching outfits for Rachel and Meghan, sang them to sleep, nursed their owies and held them close! At church, Gail also sang and played the guitar and taught classes. She was an entrepreneur too, painting home interiors and hanging wallpaper. She was a fantastic salesperson, selling clothing and eventually becoming a pharmaceutical representative! She was an incredible cook, a gardener and voracious reader. Always learning, sharing and growing. She was whip smart and probably the best listener and advisor on the planet. This cute little family also took many trips, to the mountain and to the beach, camping and hiking all over Western Canada, sailing in the San Juans and crossing the canal to Victoria. They went to Disneyland, DisneyWorld, many parts of Oregon and more! After the girls left the home, Gail and Dave often went to Hawaii, Mexico and Bend, Oregon (a favorite place of Gail’s). Celebrations were special to Gail. Holidays, birthdays, weddings, graduations, grandchildren and anniversaries, all brought gatherings, food and joy! But, though Gail was grateful for all she had, Mignon was very missed. Many years of tears later, the search was over and Mignon was found! Gail was so excited but nervous. She interviewed several people before meeting Mignon, so she could understand what Mignon might be feeling too. Mignon turned out to be gracious, loving and accepting. She and Gail had a loving, beautiful relationship to the end and on that last day, Mignon thanked Gail for all she had given her. Gail was blessed with four grandchildren whom she loved and adored. She never could get enough time holding them and hugging them as they grew older. And although she later battled various health conditions, she tried her best to be there for these precious souls by attending everything she could from graduations to sporting events. She loved these kids. These gestures of love reinforce the feelings of love and knowing in her daughters that Gail had loved them the same way all of their lives. Gail and Dave built a house on love that never broke. Gail was an incredible soul and if you knew her, we hope you know how much love she felt for each person in her world. She was grateful and knew she was blessed in love all the days of her life. Gail was not afraid when she heard the news from the doctors. She fought cancer and multi-organ failure, but on three separate occasions said, “I am not afraid.” We hope you all find peace in her words and know she rests without pain or suffering as she walks the gardens of Heaven with her family, friends and Savior. 

Mass and Celebration of Life will be held September 9, 2026. Mass starts at 11 am, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Oregon City, Oregon. Thank you Father Maxy D’Costa for countless hours of comfort you have provided. Mass will be followed by a Celebration of Life at 1pm at Sah-Hah-Lee in Clackamas, Oregon. Hillside Chapel Internment will take place the next day, at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon, on September 10, 2026.

Our thanks to Hillside Chapel in Oregon City, Oregon for the personal care that has been taken by David Bone. We greatly appreciate all you’ve done for Gail