Obituary of Gail Unsworth

Deana "Gail" (Lewis) Unsworth, in her usual quiet way, slipped away to be with her Lord and Saviour on Saturday, November 15th at the age of 85. Born in Chatham at St. Joseph's Hospital, she was the daughter of the late William Aaron & Lydia Anne (Comer) Lewis.  

Devoted mother and best gramma to Dawn & Doug, Clark, Georgia and Sarabeth Manning and Beth Anne Unsworth. Also survived by a son, his children, Matthew, Raylene, Stuart, Justus, Morgan and several great-grandchildren. Predeceased by the father of her children, Larry Unsworth (2021). Sister of the late Lyle Lewis, Lloyd Lewis, Liz Schram, Mary Lewis and Laura Southgate.

Gail became a ward of the Children's Aid Society at 5 years old after the death of her father. Over the years, she lived with several foster families, including Stanley & Edna Lockyer and Ray & Blanche Unsworth of Dresden.  

After being "moved around like a piece in a game of checkers", at 12 years old, she was placed in the home of Robert & Helen Thomas, their daughter, Frances Fairley, and two boys, Jim and John, in Chatham. What was supposed to temporary respite became permanent and with their guidance, she completed teacher's college prior to her marriage. 

The city girl moved to the country and became a farm wife and mother. Running after parts for machinery, "picnics" in the fields, and butchering chickens became her new normal. After raising her children, she returned to the workforce at St. Clair Technologies in Wallaceburg until retirement. Her final years and days were spent on the shores of Lake Erie at Rondeau with her family.

Our sincere thanks to the many community PSWs and nurses that have attended to Mom's care over the years. Christine, most recently, nurse Fallan and Tricia in her final days. It is because of your support and devotion that we were able honour Mom's desire to stay at home.

The nurses, staff, Drs. Garrett Mosey and Matthew Wu, truly make Four Counties Hospital at Newbury, the best little hospital around. Thank you for all your care!

"An amazing woman who endured so much in her life but still gave all those around her so much love and grace."

Family and friends will be received at the Badder Funeral Home & Reception Centre, 679 North St., Dresden  on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 10:00 AM -11;45 AM. The funeral service will commence at 12:00 PM. Interment Riverview Cemetery, Wallaceburg. Donations by cheque only to Harvest Hands (c/o PO Box 81, St. Thomas, ON N5P 3T5) would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at. www.badderfuneralhome.com.

The funeral service will be livestreamed at the following link

https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=77da7f4d-05fb-4f2e-bde2-68109999b09b