Gail H. Bielicki Obituary
Gail (Haberland) Erwin Bielicki, age 86, of Gloucester, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, after a long and wonderful life.
Born in Winthrop, MA., on October 10, 1937, Gail was the first child and only daughter of the late Homer and Virgina (Beless) Haberland. In 1944, Gail moved to Gloucester with her family. She attended Gloucester schools and in 1953, she met her future husband at Gloucester High School. She and several classmates had October birthdays, and she made sure she always called them on their special day. Gail's special day was on the tenth day of the tenth month at the tenth hour of the day. She claimed that this meant she was "practically perfect in every way," and was not shy about saying so.
After graduating Gloucester High School Class of 1955 (best class ever!), Gail then went on to work at the office of Empire Clothing Company on Main Street in Gloucester.
In May of 1959, Gail married James Erwin and went on to have their son Michael in 1961, and their daughter Beth came three years later in 1964. Gail and James lived in Rockport, where James owned and operated the Peg Leg Restaurant, Motel, and Guest House.
Gail and James divorced in 1968. As a single mother, she continued her work at Empire Clothing Company to support herself and her children.
In 1979, Gail met and married her husband, Ron Bielicki and caught the travel bug. The newlyweds embarked on a honeymoon cruise to the Caribbean. They traveled everywhere from Toronto, Key West, Yellowstone National Park, the Grand Canyon, Ireland, Italy, London, Germany, Arizona, Alaska, and Las Vegas with their travel partners, Kathy, and John Quinn. Life was good.
In September of 1982, Gail embarked on a new career path at Strong Leather in Gloucester.
Gail loved the Boston Red Sox, whether they had a good season or a bad season. She also enjoyed her time spent at Good Harbor Beach and made sure that she visited almost every day. Crossword puzzles, a good book, and elephants were also fond interests of Gail's.
Every Thursday at 10 p.m. Gail would pour herself one drink of scotch and that was it. On Sunday mornings, she was able to enjoy time with her son Michael, who visited with Dunkin Donuts and good conversation. Another special memory that Gail cherished was when her daughter Beth, son-in-law Kevin, and grandson John took her to Fenway Park for a Red Sox game on the double decker train. That night, the Red Sox won! She said that it was one of the best nights of her life.
A woman of faith, Gail always put family first and found immense joy in being a mother, grandmother, and GiGi. She hoped that she instilled her values, hopes, and dreams in her beloved family.
Gail is survived by her son Michael Erwin and his wife Jaye; daughter Beth and her husband Kevin Beaulieu;. She was also close to her stepson, Peter Bielicki and his wife Deb; brother Mark Haberland; sister-in-law, Margie Haberland; her grandchildren, John and his girlfriend Leanna, James and his fiancé Megan, Eric and his wife Anneke, Kayla and her husband Brandon, Jason and his girlfriend Alex, Sarah, Heather, Anthony, Bethany and her husband Joe, Ben and his wife Caitlin, and Gabbi and eleven great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Gail was predeceased by her husband Ron Bielicki, her brother Craig Haberland, and her sister-in-law Joan Haberland.
A Celebration of Life will be held in memory of Gail on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at the Gloucester Fraternity Club from 1-5 p.m. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.
In lieu of donations or flowers, please honor her memory by placing a phone call to a loved one or friend, or by making a visit to Good Harbor Beach and let the ocean waves calm your head and heart.
