Gail Loraine Brophy

Gail Brophy of Sparta, Michigan, was reunited with loved ones in heaven following a brief struggle with coronavirus.  She was born to Hollis and Lucile (Russell) Hodell in 1934.  In her early years in Cedar Springs, Gail developed a lifelong love of nature by being a Campfire Girl. She graduated from Cedar Springs High School and Western Michigan University.  She was a beloved teacher for kindergarten and in the Reading Room for Sparta Area Schools.  She and Garold Brophy were happily married for 53 years and were members of Sparta United Methodist Church.  Gail had many interests, from leading cub scout and brownie troops to running in local races, including the Old Kent River Bank Run a number of years. Gail and Gary were also active travelers, and criss-crossed the country many times in their retirement years. She was a creative, nurturing and inspiring mother and grandmother, who loved to hear all about  everyone’s adventures, and she was delighted to know her two great-grandsons. Gail was preceded in death by her husband Gary and her parents. She is survived by her sisters, Joan Jennett and Dorothy Brooks, son Steve and Carol Brophy, daughter Rachel and Robert Shangle, son Keith and Sheila Brophy, grandchildren Tim, Ken, Jasper & Tricia, Ginny, Lisa & Dan, Emma, Kayla & Adam, Ben & Rachael, Ryan & Emily, Addison, Mikkel, Keaton, and great-grandsons Michael and Atlas, plus many loving nieces and nephews.  The family is having  a private memorial service soon, with a celebration of her life to be held sometime next spring.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a  donation to the new Sparta Sports and Recreation Park, where she would have enjoyed walking, nature watching, playing disk golf and seeing children having fun.

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