In Memory Of
Gail Hisayo Carlstead
1953
2016
Gail Hisayo Carlstead
November 15, 1953 — January 30, 2016
Gail Hisayo Carlstead passed away and entered eternity January 30, 2016. Born, and known in her early life as Gail Kaya in Honolulu, Hawai'i in 1953, she expressed her lifelong love of the Islands and the ocean in sunny and breezy poetry:
I will remember -- the fragrance of open Ocean and pure Air,
And the magical sounds I never heard before. . .
The sun's sauna-heat swirled by currents unseen,
rustles the tree and
whispers -- a cool breeze.
Gail graduated from Kalani High School in Honolulu and then earned a four year degree from the University of Hawai'i. There she met her future husband, Edward Carlstead, while involved in a campus Christian ministry. After graduation, they served as staff members with Campus Crusade for Christ for six years before moving to Missouri where Ed attended law school. Afterwards, Gail and Ed settled permanently in Denver, Colorado.
Gail enjoyed a well respected career as a legal assistant, working for the United States Attorney, the Denver District Courts, and several prominent law firms in downtown Denver. While highly skilled in legal procedures, her main passion was supporting and encouraging others in their work and life pursuits. Never one to call attention to herself, Gail put others first and in so doing was loved by everyone around her.
Gail has two sisters, Susan and Joan, who still live in Hawai'i, and a brother Paul in California. Gail also calls sisters her cousins Cheryl and Kathy, who came to live with the Kaya family after their parents died. Together with Gail's grandparents, the Kaya household sported a clan of ten, all living in a small house in east Honolulu. Not surprisingly, her family was Gail's most important treasure.
Gail loved to write poetry. She often shared her writings in cards and letters she created for those close to her. Every Christmas she designed a special card with a poem, art work, and personal message. Many who love her say they have kept all of them.
Gail battled cancer twice, beating breast cancer in 2002 but succumbing to ovarian cancer this year. Despite harsh medical treatments, Gail carried a smile and optimism throughout and ministered to those saddened by her condition.
A remembrance service for Gail with be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2016 in the Chapel at Faith Church, 11373 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80012, 303-364-7271.
A light lunch will be served in the church reception hall thereafter. Everyone is invited to attend.
For those wishing to make a donation in Gail's memory, please consider The Denver Hospice, where Gail received loving care in her final days. http://www.thedenverhospice.org/Pages/Home.aspx
For those wishing to support ovarian cancer research, please consider the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, http://www.ocrf.org/
To share a memory of Gail or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
I will remember -- the fragrance of open Ocean and pure Air,
And the magical sounds I never heard before. . .
The sun's sauna-heat swirled by currents unseen,
rustles the tree and
whispers -- a cool breeze.
Gail graduated from Kalani High School in Honolulu and then earned a four year degree from the University of Hawai'i. There she met her future husband, Edward Carlstead, while involved in a campus Christian ministry. After graduation, they served as staff members with Campus Crusade for Christ for six years before moving to Missouri where Ed attended law school. Afterwards, Gail and Ed settled permanently in Denver, Colorado.
Gail enjoyed a well respected career as a legal assistant, working for the United States Attorney, the Denver District Courts, and several prominent law firms in downtown Denver. While highly skilled in legal procedures, her main passion was supporting and encouraging others in their work and life pursuits. Never one to call attention to herself, Gail put others first and in so doing was loved by everyone around her.
Gail has two sisters, Susan and Joan, who still live in Hawai'i, and a brother Paul in California. Gail also calls sisters her cousins Cheryl and Kathy, who came to live with the Kaya family after their parents died. Together with Gail's grandparents, the Kaya household sported a clan of ten, all living in a small house in east Honolulu. Not surprisingly, her family was Gail's most important treasure.
Gail loved to write poetry. She often shared her writings in cards and letters she created for those close to her. Every Christmas she designed a special card with a poem, art work, and personal message. Many who love her say they have kept all of them.
Gail battled cancer twice, beating breast cancer in 2002 but succumbing to ovarian cancer this year. Despite harsh medical treatments, Gail carried a smile and optimism throughout and ministered to those saddened by her condition.
A remembrance service for Gail with be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, February 13, 2016 in the Chapel at Faith Church, 11373 East Alameda Avenue, Aurora, Colorado 80012, 303-364-7271.
A light lunch will be served in the church reception hall thereafter. Everyone is invited to attend.
For those wishing to make a donation in Gail's memory, please consider The Denver Hospice, where Gail received loving care in her final days. http://www.thedenverhospice.org/Pages/Home.aspx
For those wishing to support ovarian cancer research, please consider the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund, http://www.ocrf.org/
To share a memory of Gail or leave a special condolence message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gail Hisayo Carlstead, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Memorial Service
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Starts at 10:30 am (Mountain time)
Faith Presbyterian Church
Guestbook
Visits: 6
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