Gail Crabtree Edwards

Gail Crabtree Edwards (born Gail Rae Armstrong, Grangeville, Idaho, 1941) completed her life on 12/22/2020 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Gail graduated from Shasta Union High School in 1958, and lived in Novato, California for several years before finally settling in Petaluma in 1973. She spent her last moments on the Petaluma farm she loved surrounded by family and loved ones, sharing memories, love, and goodbyes.

Gail was an exceptionally talented and energetic woman, who made the world a better place with her energy, creativity, and compassion. She was well-known and respected throughout Sonoma County and the California Bay Area as a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur in Real Estate and Investing. Her enthusiastic leadership in churches and in the community, and her love of music has inspired several music careers and enriched many lives.

Gail is survived by her sister and brother-in-law Adele and Stanley Wiener, who stood loyally at her side for many years while she fought her medical battle. Their son and beloved nephew, Arthur, was also with her at the end. Gail’s companion, Chuck McPherson (renowned Little League Baseball coach), did years of heavy-lifting, assisting on her many projects and faithfully caring for her throughout all the medical challenges.

On her last day, Gail said that she was, “proud to be mother of four such amazing children,” Douglas Frank, Gary Frank, Carol Fontano, and Linda Edwards, who were all with her at her passing. Gail is survived by her grandchildren Wesley and Eric Frank; Dynnelle, Daniel, and Deryk Frank; Neil and Keith Fontano; and Tawnya Sharke.

Gail’s hands and heart were always open to those around her, and forgiveness was a hallmark. She noted that since having her first child in 1961 she had always been nurturing children in her home, including foster and adopted children. The four children of her hear friend and neighbor Martha Hernandez are essentially family. Even in her last hours, Gail “adopted” a young man she had helped immigrate to the US.

What a fitting and characteristic finale by a person who was always investing herself in others.

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