Gail Ann Cooley, 67, of Leesburg, FL.; Formerly of Henderson, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at UF Health Hospital in Leesburg, FL. Born December 3, 1956, in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Dorothy G. Young.
Gail was a 1975 graduate of Parkdale High School. Gail was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and a cherished friend. Gail was blessed with a large loving family, a strong belief in God, a huge heart, and a beautiful smile.
She married her best friend and high school sweetheart, James Hite Cooley on September 4, 1976, at Holy Redeemer Church in College Park, Maryland. Gail raised her three children with unconditional love, patience, understanding, and grace. She taught them how to love whole heartedly, treat others the way you want to be treated, live a full life with no regrets, and to always put family first. Gail’s dedication to her family was unparalleled. She will forever be their backbone.
Gail loved nature. During the day she would bird watch and gaze out her windows videoing any wildlife that would pass by. In the evenings, you would find her staring up at the moon and stars. Her favorite destination was the beach and always talked about doing the “mile marker” tour with Jamie throughout the Keys. Family would often hear Gail say “Hi mommy” after seeing a butterfly.
Gail’s passing leaves us with heavy hearts as we remember a woman whose kindness and infectious smile touched the lives of everyone she met. Her immense heart and unwavering compassion made her a beacon of light in her community. While residing in Legacy of Leesburg Gail was an active member in their Bocce League, loved water aerobics and was a member of neighbor to neighbor (first response). Gail’s memory and legacy will live on in those who loved her.
Gail is survived by her husband, Jamie; her daughters Melissa Barkai (Ben) and Dawn Cooley; her son James Cooley Jr. (Shannon); her 8 grandchildren Allison, Emma, Parker, Julie, Charlotte, Jameson, Colton, and Ava; and her siblings Diane Prather, Linda Reilly, Dorothy (Darby) Gregg, John Young, Michael Young, Steve Young, Madeline McGinty and Ralph Young. She is preceded in death by her parents.
A Celebration of Life, to honor Gail, will be held on July 20, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Legacy of Leesburg Social Hall. The address is 5400 Legacy Boulevard, Leesburg, FL 34748.