Gail D. (Dolan) Miranda

Gail D. [Dolan] Miranda, age 80, died peacefully in her sleep June 2. Gail was born to Paul H. and Pauline C. Dolan on May 14, 1941. She was preceded in death by her husband Jose H. Miranda, her son Jose A, Miranda, and two brothers. She is survived by a brother, several cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. Gail was the third born of four children, raised by their mother. Gail, as the only daughter, contributed greatly to the support and running of the household. In her early teen years, she began to earn money to help out at home and to save for her lifelong dream to become a nurse. After graduating from Hoover High School in 1959, she fulfilled that dream in 1962 when she graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She went on to earn her bachelor's and master's degrees. During her single years, she traveled the world extensively and was very proud of having visited 30 countries. She married her husband Jose H. ["Pepe"] Miranda in 1973 and in 1977 her son Jose A. Miranda was born. Gail served as a registered nurse and ultimately as director of nursing for decades at Mercy Medical Center. Later she became director of nursing at Sumser Retirement Center, National Church Resident Care Center and at St Joseph Senior Living. Gail's career was her life. As a director, she viewed herself as "firm but fair" and the hundreds of people that worked for her over the years echoed that assessment. She received numerous awards for her service and achievements in the nursing and mental health fields. Upon her retirement she continued to remain very active in the community and at the Basilica of St John the Baptist and found joy in regularly contributing to the food pantry. She served as a poll worker for decades. She took great joy in her friendships with a variety of priests and nuns, most notably Monsignor James Kolp who was Gail's cousin, but more importantly her faithful visitor and encourager throughout her life. In the months before her death, Gail often acknowledged that she knew her days were limited but that she had no fear. As Gail began to require additional care, Judy Donaldson, one of her former workmates, rose to the occasion and began to take care of her needs and wants. Judy served her faithfully for many years, sometimes at a personal cost. Judy was truly a Godsend, and Gail realized it. Reflecting his father's character and wishes, Gail's son Jose' did much to provide care and to meet his mother's needs. Tragically, Jose' died unexpectedly just weeks before the death of his mother. Gail continued to received excellent, compassionate care from St Joseph Senior Living, Mercy Hospice, and St. Luke Lutheran Community. Family and friends will meet on Monday at 10 a.m. at the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist for a Mass of Christian Burial. Private burial will be in Saint John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist or Saint Joseph Care Center.