Gail Furber Brooks Appleton

HALLOWELL – Gail Furber Brooks Appleton, daughter of the late Arthur L. Brooks and the late Helen Furber Brooks Ellis, was born on Nov. 23, 1932, in Gardiner, Maine.

Gail graduated from Cony High School in Augusta in 1950 and earned a Bachelor of Science at the College of Home Economics at Syracuse University in 1954, where she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. Gail followed in her parents footsteps as a teacher, and began teaching kindergarten in Carle Place, NY. After marrying John Appleton on June 30, 1956, she and John made their home in Augusta where Gail taught at Smith and Farrington schools. She later became a Real Estate agent.

Gail was an active member of South Parish Congregational Church where she taught Sunday School, served as a deaconess, and joined the Hospitality Committee. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader, contributor to charity drives, particularly Multiple Sclerosis, and an active member of the American Field Service (AFS) community. From 1980-1981, Gail volunteered to host an AFS foreign exchange student with whom she maintained a lifelong relationship.

Gail’s outgoing and fun-loving spirit shaped every stage of her life. She and John spent several decades of summers on Cobbosseecontee Lake, a place that became the backdrop for countless memories. In retirement, she and John enjoyed more than 20 winters in Florida, where they built many lasting friendships. She was someone who stayed connected—writing, calling, and visiting to maintain relationships across the miles and decades. All of her friends knew her as an avid sports fan, cheering enthusiastically for her favorite teams, and adding commentary along the way.

Gail is survived by her daughter, Terry Appleton of Winchester, Mass.; her sister Sandra J. Stubbs and brother-in-law Robert Stubbs of Hallowell; nieces Margaret O’Connor and Kathryn Scott of Spring Hill, Tenn., Marita Cheney of Wirtz, Va., and Sara Dostie of Winthrop, Maine, late nephew Mark Steinmetz of Grafton, Mass., and nephew Michael Steinmetz of Brewster, Mass.; and her AFS daughter, Gesina Janszen Schultz of Hamburg, Germany.

There will be a private graveside service held at Mt Hope Cemetery in Augusta, where Gail will be laid to rest with her husband.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church Street, Augusta, Maine.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton & Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

Those wishing to honor Gail’s memory may consider a donation to:

Shriners Children’s Hospital