Gail A. Parks

With profound sadness and deep love, we announce the unexpected passing of Gail Parks on February 28, 2026. Born on November 21, 1957, Gail was raised in Cromwell, Connecticut, one of six children of Walter and Florence Adamowicz. From the very beginning, she carried the strength of a large, loving family and a spirit that would go on to touch countless lives.

Gail graduated from E.C. Goodwin Technical High School, where she met the love of her life, Douglas Parks. They were married on August 12, 1978, beginning a partnership that spanned nearly five decades and was rooted in devotion, laughter, and unwavering support.

Together, Gail and Doug built both a family and a life centered around hospitality and service. They shared careers in food service, including Park-David Catering and The Altnaveigh Inn and Restaurant, where Gail’s warmth and generosity made everyone feel welcome. Her love of children led her to Mooreland Hill School, where her nurturing heart found a perfect home.

Gail and Doug raised their two sons, Christopher and Michael, in Berlin, Connecticut, where they established deep roots and lifelong friendships during more than 20 years in the community. In recent years, they made their home in Vernon at Fern-Knoll, where Gail helped foster a true sense of neighborhood family—hosting countless gatherings, celebrations, and cherished “camp days” that created treasured memories for her grandchildren.

Above all, Gail’s greatest joy was her role as “Nana.” She poured her heart into her six beloved grandchildren—Landon, Kellen, Reed, Ella, Annie, and Emmie—spending her days crafting, cooking, painting, and playing. Her creativity was boundless; her talent for painting undeniable. She had a rare gift for finding beauty in the simplest moments and teaching those around her to do the same.

Gail was kind, selfless, resilient, nurturing, and deeply loving. She possessed an unwavering willingness to help others, whether through her volunteer work at the local food pantry or simply by showing up whenever someone was in need. Her distinctive laugh could still be heard today. She was a proud member of the Rockville Elks Lodge 1359 and cherished the friendships and community she found there.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Douglas Parks; her sons, Christopher Parks and his wife Elizabeth of Plainville, CT, and Michael Parks and his wife Ashlee of Columbia, CT; her six treasured grandchildren; her mother, Florence Adamowicz; and her siblings, Carol Schroeder of Newfane, VT; Jane Walsh of Essex, CT; Jim Adamowicz and his wife Wendy of Cromwell, CT; and Marie Forsyth of Moodus, CT.

She was predeceased by her father, Walter Adamowicz, and her brother, John Adamowicz.

Gail’s life was a testament to love in action. She found joy in the little things, created beauty wherever she went, and left every person she met feeling seen and cared for. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her spirit lives on in the family she nurtured, the community she strengthened, and the countless memories she so lovingly created. Her infectious laugh can still be heard by all who loved her.

Gail’s family will receive relatives and friends at the Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main St., Kensington, Monday, March 9, 2026, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Church, 48 Cottage St., East Berlin. Inurnment will follow in Wilcox Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Cornerstone Foundation in Vernon-Rockville, CT. https://www.cornerstone-cares.org/donate

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