Gail D. Noel

Gail D. Noel, age 81, of Waukesha, was called to Eternal Life unexpectedly in her sleep on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Born on August 27, 1944, in East Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of Francis and Theresa (nee Calabrese) McMullen. On February 27, 1965, Gail married the love of her life, Gary, and together they created a beautiful family of six children, 25 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren.

Hon/Mom/Grandma/Great Grandma lived life fully and intentionally according to the guideposts of Faith, Family, Friends, and Food. Gail’s life was marked by her deep and abiding Catholic faith, a passion she shared with her husband and instilled in their children. A long-time member of St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Genesee Depot, she was dedicated to the Lord, praying her rosary daily and volunteering for over 30 years at AngelsGrace Hospice. Gail’s culinary prowess and hospitality was always ready with an available meal or a bed for overnight guests. She was filled with tender affection for her grandchildren and great grandchildren, crocheting a baby blanket and stocking for each child and attending all their sacraments. Gail had an uncanny ability to recall the name of everyone she ever met (as well as their birth date and other “favorite” things). Her genuine thoughtfulness was always on full display with the abundance of food she made and served round the clock, her gentle hugs and unique way of treating each person like they were her “favorite”, her appreciation of hometown sports teams, her candid way of entering conversations with honesty and humor, and her manner of keeping an organized, well-kept home. Despite a myriad of physical afflictions, Gail suffered silently, taking the time to appreciate the simple things in life: a rose, a beautiful sunset, the stars and stripes fluttering in the breeze, a mid-afternoon drink on the patio with her husband, the academic and athletic pursuits of her children and grandchildren, a goodnight kiss. She never wanted to miss an opportunity to “get one more thing done” as she continuously battled against ‘time’ and optimistically thought she would win this time. Her legacy of love and faith will live on through her family.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband of almost 61 years, Gary, her six loving children: Gary (Kris) Noel, Greg (Margie) Noel, Terri Trafton, Kristin (Dan) Killian, Brian (Rosa) Noel, Steven (Megan) Noel, 25 grandchildren: Meghan (Alec), Frances (Trevor), Alex, Christopher (Olivia), Dorielle (Dan), Andrew (Vanessa), Sean (Madyson), Noel (Matt), Thad (Audrey), Matthew, Lexi (Will), Abby (Alex), Valerie, Nicole, Riley, David, Erin, Maddie, Samuel, Molly, Gabriella, Sophia, Julia, Elias, baby #25 and 16 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, two siblings, and numerous other relatives.

Visitation will be Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Randle-Dable-Brisk Funeral Home, 1110 S. Grand Ave., Waukesha. The evening will conclude with a rosary service and an opportunity for sharing at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Monday, January 26, from 11:30 a.m. until the funeral Mass begins at 1:00 p.m. at Corpus Christi Parish-St. William Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd, Waukesha, WI 53188. Interment will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. In honor of Gail’s commitment to service, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made in her name to AngelsGrace Hospice, located at N74W35908 Servants’ Way, Oconomowoc, WI 53066.