Gail K. Wingate
NORTHAMPTON, Mass. – Gail Katherine Wingate, of Northampton, MA, previously from Portsmouth, NH, passed away from cancer on May 18, 2021, at the age of 67, with her loving life partner David Spound by her side.
Gail was born and raised in Nashua, NH, attended Mount Saint Mary High School, the University of Vermont, and Lesley College.
Her life included many adventures, including times in Alaska (fishing, bartending, and helping to administer the Alaska State Senate) and Maine (managing an art gallery). Eventually, Gail found her calling as a healer, beginning with her work as a much beloved massage therapist and energy worker in Portland, ME and at the Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA.
She earned a Master of Science in Nursing from the MA General Hospital Institute of Health Professions in 2002. She was most proud of her time practicing at the Equinox Health Center in Portsmouth, NH, after which she worked as a Nurse Practitioner in primary care and women’s health at the health clinic at the University of NH. Most recently, she became a trained teacher of Mindful Self-Compassion, which she taught with her partner, David.
Gail’s kindness, compassion, intelligence, and generosity were evident to all who met her. She cherished many long lasting friendships, including her ‘birthday group’, ‘tai chi’ group, professional colleagues, and so many others who will miss her greatly. Gail loved to travel, take long walks, savor the night sky, meditate, and read books on spirituality and Buddhism. A self-described ‘Bernie Girl’, she was a generous donor to social justice, environmental, and progressive political causes.
Gail was the loving daughter of Dearborn and Fern (Chomard) Wingate of Nashua, NH (both deceased). She leaves behind her soul partner David Spound of Northampton, MA, brother Greg Wingate of Moncton, NB, Canada, brother Gary Wingate (Brenda) of Nashua, NH, sister Gwen Morgan (John) of Scituate, MA and a large extended family. She was an especially devoted and loving ‘auntie’ to many nieces and nephews. She loved spending time at the family cottage in Rye Beach, NH and, previously, at her grandparents’ house in Cape Neddick, ME.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Wentworth by the Sea, Newcastle, NH, on Sunday, August 1, 11:00 am-2:00 pm.
To honor Gail, the family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation to one of these organizations: The Environmental Defense Fund (www.edf.org), the Public Banking Institute (www.publicbankinginstitute.org) or to another organization that supports the types of progressive causes that were so important to Gail.