Gail A. Houle
ESCANABA — Gail A. Houle, 95, of Escanaba, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. She was born on April 29, 1929 to Fred and Bertha LaChapelle. Gail graduated from Escanaba High School in 1947 where she was active in the marching band and was head majorette. She was very active in 4-H all through high school and was crowned 4-H queen.
She married Irving C. Houle on November 17, 1948. She and Irving raised five children in Escanaba. Gail was a stay home mom raising her children until the youngest reached kindergarten. She spent many years working as a nursing assistant at St. Francis Hospital. However, after she retired from the hospital, she took a job working at the Morrison Shop and it was there that she worked with her closest friends.
Gail enjoyed cooking, baking, and sewing. She created wonderful clothes for herself and the family. One of her favorite things to sew were birthday outfits and Halloween costumes. The costumes she created for Halloween almost won every year for the costume contests.
She liked to travel with her friends on day trips, short trips to Vegas and Branson, Missouri and Hawaii with her mother. But one trip she will never forget is going to Medjugorje with her husband and Father Fox. Gail also like her once-a-month Pinochle card party in the evenings. The table and her desserts were a showcase for her friends.
Gail is survived by her children, Stephen (Peggy) Houle of Escanaba, Peter (Mark) Houle of Phoenix, Ariz., John (Lori) Houle from Escanaba, Margo (Brian) Rout of Columbus, Ind., and her dear daughter-in-law, Sally Houle of Gladstone; seven grandchildren, Jodi Ray of Bark River, Jennifer Stark of Hope, Ind., Jared Houle of Escanaba, Stephanie Rust of Columbus, Ind., Jerilyn Houle of Escanaba, Jason Houle of Marquette, Mich. and Ian Houle of Gladstone; and 10 great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Irving, she was preceded in death by her son, Matthew; and brother, Glen.
Visitation will be on Monday, June 10 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. The Mass of Christian Burial will follow at noon at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church with Rev. Timothy Ferguson officiating.
Memorial donations can be made to either St. Joseph and St. Patrick Catholic Church or the Irving Houle Association at 709 1st Ave. S., Escanaba, MI 49829. A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.