“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music”
Gail Elizabeth (Burrill) Koerner of New Britain, beloved wife of Paul E. Koerner, died Friday, April 23, 2021,surrounded by her family. Born August 10, 1964 in Hartford, the daughter of the late John R. Burrill and Carole Nelson Burrill. Gail was raised in West Hartford and is a 1982 graduate of Conard HS. Gail was previously employed by Carlton Interiors of Kensington and currently employed by Porter Preston, Inc of Waterbury as a product manager. Gail was also a member of the City of New Britain Fire Commission.
Gail was a devoted “Deadhead” who followed the Grateful Dead through many concert tours, attending over 85 concerts in 10 years. She cherished time with her family and pets. The times listening to her children perform brought her the greatest joy as well as watching her beloved Mets and cheering on the Syracuse Orange.
In addition to her husband, Gail is survived by her son Dylan Thomas Koerner and daughter, Rev. Elizabeth Andrea Koerner, her sister Jennifer Burrill, her brothers & sisters-in-law, Geoffrey & Laurie Burrill, Jason & Mary Ann Burrill, a brother-in-law Jim Koerner and his wife Connie, her godson Logan Chapman and several nieces, nephews, a grandniece, and her Lab, Dunkin. In addition to her parents, Gail was predeceased by her mother-in-law, Beatrice Koerner and her Labs Buff, Scooby, and Otto.
Gail’s family is especially grateful to the doctors and nurses that cared for her at the HOCC and Hartford Hospital. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Hospital of Central CT or the New Britain HS Marching Band.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 3, 2021 at the Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 355 Camp Street, Bristol, CT. Calling hours are from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, with a service starting at 3:00pm. Calling Hours and service will be held outside at the church’s Memorial Garden (please bring a chair, a mask and feel free to wear tie dye).
Arrangements are being handled by Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com