Gail Marjorie Boucher OBITUARY

Gail Marjorie Boucher, age 75, of Orinda California, passed away on June 6, 2024 after a challenging series of medical issues over the last 2 months. Gail was born on May 26, 1949 to Ken and Nettie Boucher in Oakland, CA. After graduating from Castro Valle High School in 1967, she went on to study college at Cal State University Hayward where she ultimately graduated with a Masters degree in both Anthropology and Psychology. She started her career shortly after graduation at Los Medanos College, then a new junior college on the border of Pittsburg and Antioch, and was in fact a founding mother of the campus and the entire Anthropology Department. She was a college instructor there for 31 years and was much admired and respected by colleagues and students alike. Gail is survived by Steve Fiala, her husband of 45 years, and her 3 siblings, Jan Boucher/Gibbs, Glen Boucher, and Sheri Boucher/Flynn and their families. Gail and Steve have had a connection virtually all of their life, having first been in kindergarten together, meeting again in College, and meeting again 6 years later when they truly connected and ultimately married. They were the ultimate “team”, loving each other, supporting each other, forming common goals and enjoying life, natural beauty, gardening, travel, reading (and she was an avid reader), and living in their two residences in Orinda and Kona Hawaii. Gail was extremely intelligent, interesting and intense. She had a deep affection for her family, and particularly her mom, with whom she spent a great deal of time in Hawaii where her mom was born. They both loved the Hawaiian culture and traditions and the warm and beautiful ocean. In her career, Gail not only taught Anthropology and Psychology courses, but also developed a large number of self help courses for outside organizations. These included trainings such as Time Management, Stress Management, Dealing with Difficult People, Positive Assertive Communication, and other useful workplace trainings. One of her largest clients was the US Navy who drafted her to help with the closure of all their Naval Weapons Stations from Washington to California, helping the staff deal with and adapt to change in their transition from military to civilian lifestyles. Gail was also quite an athlete and ran long distance and swam for 30 or more years. She was out the door and running before teaching at 5am and ran for 5 to 10 miles when she had time. She then swam for about an hour each day to round off her exercise and let off her excess energy. When in Hawaii, Steve accompanied her on his bike as a “sag wagon” with shoes, water, clothing, etc. And, when they traveled, Steve had a bike that fit in a suit case to keep her company on their travels in other countries. Always together and always enjoying life. After they both retired in 2004 Gail and Steve continued to travel but switched to a more comfortable and easier program. The both began enjoying Cruising to different destinations because it was one shop stop, great food, great daily outings, great entertainment and few responsibilities. These trips were a joy to Gail who loved to learn about new places and have new experiences. Over the last 5 years Gail has had to endure a number of challenging medical issues that led to number of hospital and ICU stays, home antibiotic infusions for many months, and long rehabilitation. In spite of these obstacles, Gail recovered each time & she & Steve went on to enjoy more travel adventures & time together at their homes. This last 2 months the challenges became too severe for Gail to continue due to infections and other complications. Steve was able to bring her home for a little while to pass in the comfort of her home with him by her side with her. A Service/Celebration of her Life will be held on July 10, 2024, at 3:30 pm, at St. Stephens Church at 67 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda, CA. After the service, light snacks and refreshments will be served in the Church kitchen area and attendees are welcome to share memories of Gail at this informal gathering. Please contact Steve Fiala (her husband) as soon as possible if you are planning to attend so that the caterer will be aware of how many people to accommodate. Steve Fiala e-mail at volcanosteve@yahoo.com