Gail Maier, 69, of Harrington Park, NJ passed away on December 25, 2022. Gail was born on February 4, 1953 in Paterson, NJ to the late Marco Marino and late Elizabeth Clarken. She moved frequently during her childhood, but made lifelong friends in each place that she lived – a trait that would continue throughout her life. Gail graduated from Northeast High School in St Petersburg, Florida in 1971, and in her early twenties moved from Florida to her parents’ home in Hillsdale, NJ where she worked as a legal secretary.
Soon after moving to New Jersey, Gail met her future sister-in-law, who introduced her to Edward Maier on a blind date. Gail and Ed married in 1982 in a backyard ceremony at their newly purchased home in Bergenfield, NJ. They welcomed their first daughter, Marissa Leigh Maier, on September 24, 1984 and their second daughter, Emily Rebecca Maier, on July 13, 1987. The Maier family moved to Harrington Park, NJ in 1992, where Gail would be an engaged and vivacious member of the community for the next thirty years. Gail poured all of her love and considerable energy into raising and educating her two daughters. Her family was her greatest source of pride. She highly valued education, and achieved her associate’s degree while raising her young family. Gail loved books and reading. She worked part time at the Harrington Park Public Library, and later accepted a full time job at the library in Northern Valley Regional High School in Old Tappan. She returned to work part time at the Harrington Park Public Library following her retirement from Northern Valley.
Gail and Ed welcomed two sons-in-law, Jonathan Walsh (who married Marissa in 2008) and Frank Arena (who married Emily in 2010) and four grandchildren, Levi (11), Paige (8), James (7), and Patrick (5). Gail’s children and grandchildren are her most beloved legacy and she affirmed her love for them with her words and her actions every day of her life. She was a unifying figure within her family and maintained close relationships with relatives living across the country. Her caring and empathy extended far beyond her family, evidenced by the many, many friendships that she cultivated and kept.
Gail was immensely active, and enjoyed hiking with her friends and her family. She loved to cook for her family and passed her love of cooking to both of her daughters. Gail was a magnetic, loving person who valued human connection and had many cherished friends. She will always be remembered as an adored wife, mother, and friend.
Visiting hours are Thursday, December 29, 2022 from 3-7 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Avenue, Northvale.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Room to Read.
https://www.roomtoread.org/literacy-girls-education/
www.pizzifuneralhome.com
Dear Ed and family,
Words can’t convey my grief and sadness. Gail and I were connected by blood and history, many confidences, good times and bad times, and deep friendship as well as family. I was so looking forward to returning home and spending time with her as we used to. She will live forever in my heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you, you are her best legacy
Much love, cousin Teenie
I meet Gail when we were 12 years old. We were both starting middle school and both very shy. We became fast friends and she became like a sister to me. My family adored her and she went on many vacations with us and was considered one of the family. She was truly one of a kind. I regret that in later years we did not spend as much time together.
Rest In Peace my sweet friend,
Carol
To Gail’s Family,
I had the pleasure of working with Gail at NVOT. She was a sweetheart, we always had great conversations about family and friends. Sending condolences to you all at this very sad and difficult time. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Terri Shea
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Gail always had a smile and warm hello when i saw her. We would walk our own route in the morning but always shared a hello. I will miss seeing her out and about.
May God hold her in his loving arms.
Sincerely
Beth Rota
Oh my goodness, I cannot express my sadness at hearing this news. While we were neighbors in HP seeing Gayle was always part of my everyday routine while on our run. Even though we have moved from HP, I still feel as if we are neighbors. My conversations with Gayle were always so “vibrant” which matches her personality. My heart and prayers and thoughts are with you and your entire family. As neighbors, I feel as if our family has grown up together. You all are always in our hearts forever.
All our love,
Laurie, Bruce, Joshua and Ronnie Ludwin
Ed, Marissa, Emily and grandchildren,
So sorry to hear about Gail’s passing. I knew her since high school when she introduced my wife Kathe to me a long time ago.
We worked at Morrisons cafeteria in high school and after she moved to N.J. Kathe and I always looked forward to her yearly St Petersburg visits to go to dinner or lunch with her and friends to catch up on what was going on. At her last visit with us all. Gail, Jill,Carol, Kathe and I all went to dinner at the St Petersburg Yacht Club. It was such a grand time. She was a such a gentle soul and will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved her.
Love and Blessings to you all,
We are sad to hear of Gail’s passing and offer our condolences to your family. May your love and memories of Gail continue to keep her in your heart and ease your sadness during this difficult time.
To Ed and Family,
We were very sorry to hear of Gail’s passing. We pray the Lord will comfort you and your family during this difficult time and until you can see her again.
Love, Rich and Vicki
My heart is broken. Gail befriended me as a newly transferred student at Northeast High School. There was assigned seating in our home room. Her last name name placed her directly behind me in our row of desks. She tapped me on the shoulder and introduced herself. Transferring in as a senior is not an easy thing to do. And Gail made it painless and we became instant friends. She had the strength of character to reach out. She was genuine and selfless. My senior year was the best year ever as we cut classes together, went on double dates, and made our way through our senior year with our eyes on the future. I will be grateful for her forever. The world is a lesser place without her. My deepest sympathies to her family.