Gail Trafford

RAYMOND — Gail Ann Trafford, 67, of Raymond, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

She was born in Portland on Sept. 4, 1950, the daughter of Raymond and Muriel (Brown) Trafford. Gail graduated from Deering High School and attended the University of Maine at Fort Kent.

From an early age, Gail had a love for animals. Family members will tell you it was not unusual to see a stray trailing behind her to be adopted into the family. In her adult life, she had her share of interesting dogs, and more recently enjoyed dog-sitting for neighbors and friends.

Gail was known for her kindness, generosity, laugh, love for the outdoors, independence, and her care for others. Her nieces and nephews said that Auntie Gail had a gift for making people feel special and loved. Everyone benefited from her infectious laugh and playful attitude. Her greatest joy was sharing her camp. During many family celebrations she hosted at camp, her goal was to ensure everyone had fun, plenty to eat, and enjoyed the lake. She loved her family and friends. One of her luxuries was sipping coffee while kayaking around the lake on beautiful days.

Gail’s refrigerator door was covered in pictures of her nieces, nephews and dogs. But, you could also see many quotes that reflected how she lived her life. One said: “Life is short. Forgive quickly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably and, Let your light shine brightly for all the world to see.”

Gail retired from Maine Medical Center in 2017, where she worked for over 33 years as a buyer on the clinical engineering team. She was always smiling and laughing with colleagues. An interaction with Gail definitely made your day better. Gail took pride in her work, always doing more than was required.

Gail is predeceased by her parents and grandparents.

She is survived by her brother Timothy of Waterville; two nieces and two nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; two aunts and many cousins.

Gail gave in death as she gave in life; she was an organ and tissue donor.

All are invited to visiting hours on Friday, March 16, from 5 to 8 p.m., at the Jones, Rich, and Barnes Funeral Home. A celebration service of her life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 17, at Jones, Rich, and Barnes Funeral Home in Portland. Please share your stories and condolences at www.jonesrichandbarnes.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals or the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.