Gail Penny Putnam Rockefeller went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on the morning of May 5, 2023. On that day, she was reunited with her parents George and Shirley (Hamilton) Putnam and her brother Bruce Putnam. She was 79 years old. Born and raised in Manchester, CT where she graduated from Manchester High School. She married the love of her life Gerrit (Gary) on January 8, 1966. They met when they both worked for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Co. Soon after they were married, the couple moved to Lebanon where they made their home and raised their sons. Over the span of 20 years, Gail served as secretary for two separate churches, the Hebron Congregational church and New Life Christian Fellowship in Glastonbury. More recently she was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Lebanon where she attended services with her husband. Often, they would also enjoy lunch at the Lebanon Senior Center with friends. She and Gary traveled throughout the United States and Canada making countless cherished memories especially on trips where they were blessed with the company of nieces and grandchildren. A few favorite destinations included winters in Texas and many trips to Newfoundland. She will be remembered fondly by her family as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt.
Her loss will be mourned by all who knew her, especially her loving family; Gary her devoted husband of 57 years; her children and their spouses, Glynn and his wife Lisa Rockefeller and their sons Glynn Jr. and Devyn of Rocky Hill, Geoffrey and his wife Heidi of Columbia who enjoy occasional visits from their eldest daughter Laura and her husband Eli Maynard Rockefeller, and their youngest daughter Abigail, her sister Wendy (Richard) Johansen of Ashford; ; and her three nieces Shelly (Peter) Johansen Simper, Erin Johansen and Lindsey (Nick) Johansen Guay, along with many wonderful friends
Gail was very proud of her four grandchildren, whose names when listed in birth order spell out GLAD. She was very GLAD to be their grandmother or Mimi as the girls called her.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11am at the First Baptist Church of Lebanon, 694 Trumbull Highway, Lebanon, CT.
Flowers may be sent directly to the church or, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to First Baptist Church of Lebanon, Samaritans Purse or Compassion International.
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