Gail Ann Young Cooley

Gail Ann (Young) Cooley, 67, of Leesburg, FL.; Formerly of Henderson, MD passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, June 2, 2024, at UF Health Hospital in Leesburg, FL. Born December 3, 1956, in Washington, DC, she was the daughter of the late John F. and Dorothy G. Young. Gail was a 1975 graduate of Parkdale High School. Gail was a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and a cherished friend. Gail was blessed with a large loving family, a strong belief in God, a huge heart, and a beautiful smile. She married her best friend and high school sweetheart, James Hite Cooley on September 4, 1976, at Holy Redeemer Church in College Park, Maryland. Gail raised her three children with unconditional love, patience, understanding, and grace. She taught them how to love whole heartedly, treat others the way you want to be treated, live a full life with no regrets, and to always put family first. Gail’s dedication to her family was unparalleled. She will forever be their backbone. Gail loved nature. During the day she would bird watch and gaze out her windows videoing any wildlife that would pass by. In the evenings, you would find her staring up at the moon and stars. Her favorite destination was the beach and always talked about doing the “mile marker” tour with Jamie throughout the Keys. Family would often hear Gail say “Hi mommy” after seeing a butterfly. Gail’s passing leaves us with heavy hearts as we remember a woman whose kindness and infectious smile touched the lives of everyone she met. Her immense heart and unwavering compassion made her a beacon of light in her community. While residing in Legacy of Leesburg Gail was an active member in their Bocce League, loved water aerobics and was a member of neighbor to neighbor (first response). Gail’s memory and legacy will live on in those who loved her. Gail is survived by her husband, Jamie; her daughters Melissa Barkai (Ben) and Dawn Cooley; her son James Cooley Jr. (Shannon); her 8 grandchildren Allison, Emma, Parker, Julie, Charlotte, Jameson, Colton, and Ava; and her siblings Diane Prather, Linda Reilly, Dorothy (Darby) Gregg, John Young, Michael Young, Steve Young, Madeline McGinty and Ralph Young. She is preceded in death by her parents. A Celebration of Life, to honor Gail, will be held on July 20, 2024, from 11:00am – 2:00pm at the Legacy of Leesburg Social Hall. The address is 5400 Legacy Boulevard, Leesburg, FL 34748. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in memory of Gail Cooley to one of the following: Saint Paul Catholic Church in Leesburg, FL, Parklawn Cemetery in Bethesda, MD, Texas Blaze Fastpitch, Johnson (FL) through PayPal @texasblaze2028, name on the PayPal is Sonja Bolesor or Central Florida Fury Fastpitch. I’m Free, by Anne Lindgren Davison Don’t grieve for me for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play Tasks left undone must stay that way, I’ve found that peace at the close of day If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow My life’s been full, I’ve savored much, Good friends, good times, my loved one’s touch If my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your heart, rejoice with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home of Leesburg, Florida.

Gail Ann Young Cooley

December 3, 1956 - June 2, 2024