OBITUARY: Gail S. (Irwin) Holloway, 68

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Gail S. (Irwin) Holloway, age 68, of Wilmington, passed away at home early Saturday morning, November 30th, after a long battle with cancer. Gail was the devoted wife of John (Jack) Holloway for more than 50 years.

Gail came into the world on April 4, 1956, in Winchester, MA; she was one of seven children born to the late William and Dorothy (Weatherbee) Irwin. Growing up in the “close knit” Glendale Circle neighborhood was perfect for this family of nine as there were so many friends that were like family. Games and gatherings on the street every day creating a lifetime of memories. Summers were spent on Lake Winnipesaukee at first camping in Arcadia and then at the family cottage on Castle Shore Road. Her passion was waterskiing and hanging out on the boat.

A long-time resident of Wilmington, Gail met the “love of her life” Jack Holloway in 5th grade. Jack and Gail were high school sweethearts who married soon after graduating with the Class of 1974 from Wilmington High School. They moved into an apartment in Lawrence and soon began a family together welcoming their first born, Janel and figuring out how to navigate life as young parents. As the family grew, Gail and Jack moved to Billerica where they welcomed Jacqui, Billy, and Katie. Their Billerica neighborhood was full of young families and everyone would gather for cookouts and kids would be running and playing everywhere. In 1986, an opportunity presented itself to build their dream home and return to Wilmington where they would continue to raise their family with the same great memories they had.

Gail was a very devoted mom who was active in the schools and the kids’ lives. She was instrumental in helping build Kids Place at Shawsheen Elementary School and a few years later she helped bring youth field hockey back to the town. Gail coached her daughter Katie as well as many other young girls, teaching them the sport, mentoring them, and hoping they would have as much passion for the sport as she did while playing for the Wilmington Wildcats Field Hockey Team during her own high school years. Gail loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports throughout the years; she was on the side line for countless games and was undoubtedly their biggest fan.

Gail loved her garden and entertaining in her back yard. Her door was always open and her home was always a place people could come at any time day or night. She was known as the “cool mom” to her kids’ friends. There would always be food, games, and laughter. Her greatest joy was watching the grandkids all together playing in the pool and running around.

Gail is survived by her beloved husband John Holloway. Loving mother to Janel Smith and husband Mordecai, Jacqueline Bento and husband Daniel, William Holloway, and Katie Holloway. Loving Nana/Nanni of Brooklyn Holloway, Braden Smith, Jack McLaughlin, Nadia Smith, Will Holloway, Hunter Holloway, and Leo Bento. Dear sister of Gary and Mary Irwin, David and Patty Irwin, Bill and Jay Irwin, Sally and Steve Peabody, Barbie and Mark Casey, and Rob and Laurie Irwin. Loving Sister-in-Law of Steve and Terri Holloway, Cindy Calligandes, and Mark Holloway and Robin. Gail is further survived by many nieces, nephews, friends, and family including her valued friendship with Cindy Meehan who would always come over for Dunkins coffee just to talk about all that was going on in the town. She is predeceased by her in-laws Jack and Mary Holloway, and Scott Holloway

Family and friends will gather for a Funeral Service at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62) Wilmington, on Monday December 9th at 11:00 a.m. followed by interment at Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Sunday, December 8th from 3:00-6:00 pm

Donations in Gail’s memory may be made to Mass General Brigham Checks can be mailed to Massachusetts General Hospital c/o Development Office, Attn: Lauren Dello Russo, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114.

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.