Passed away at the Mariposa House Hospice with family at her side on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the age of 79.
Gail La Berge, (nee Dobson) was the loving wife of Anthony La Berge for 36 years and proud mother of Kevin Burtch (Susan) and Kelly Murphy (Brad). Grandma Gail to Kenney Murphy (Katie) (Baby Boy due May 30th), Austin Murphy (Alisha), Marshall Murphy (Brooke), Alexandra Burtch (Jordan) and Ryan Burtch (Michelle). Dear daughter of the late Agnes Pearl and Kenneth Wellington Dobson. Gail was born 3rd of 6 children and is survived by older brother Ronnie Dobson (Barb) and younger sisters Linda La Berge (Patrick), Sheryl Dobson and Bonnie Robert (Dave). Predeceased by eldest brother Keith Dobson and ex-husband Bill Burtch. Aunt Gail will be sadly missed by nieces Shannon Hoyt (Steve) and Leanne Horne (Kevin) and nephews Troy Dobson (Lauren) and Brent Robert (Lindsay) as well as great-nieces, Cyneetra, Payton, Bree, Avery and Grace and great-nephews Ryan, Colton and Gunner. She will be fondly remembered by the entire Burtch family along with her many, many friends.
Gail worked as the Court Clerk and Secretary for then presiding Judge Leonard Montgomery in the Orillia Provincial Court for 10 years. She was proud of her tenure as Worthy Matron of the Lily of the Valley Order of the Eastern Star in 1982 and 1983. Being a proud member of the Twin Lakes Probus Club and Orillia Sunshine Rug Hookers provided many events, travels and friendships that Gail cherished.
Gail was an avid collector of Royal Doulton figurines, teddy bears, wooden loons & ducks, antique crockery, pottery and furniture. It was rare for Gail’s hands to be idle, and she enjoyed creating many beautiful quilts, sewing, knitting, crocheting and rug hooking projects. She had a love and passion for tending her vegetable and flower gardens and would share seeds, cuttings and produce with family and friends.
Heartfelt thanks to all the staff at Mariposa House Hospice. They truly are a gift to our community. And thanks also to Dr. Dave Collins and his nursing staff who made many home visits to Mom over the past several months.
As much as Gail loved to be surrounded by flowers, she would have been pleased to know memorial donations had been given in her honour to the Mariposa House Hospice or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life on April 1st from 1 - 4pm at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St., N., Orillia. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com .