Obituary of Gail R. Nezames

Gail Royce Nezames, 90, of Glastonbury, Connecticut passed into Eternal Peace on February 13, 2024, joining her beloved husband of 55 years, Balles (Val) T. Nezames who predeceased her on May 8, 2020. Gail was born Gail Leigh Royce on February 8, 1934 in Stafford Springs, Connecticut where she grew up and graduated from Stafford High School in 1951. She worked the switchboards at the telephone company in town until it went dial in 1952. She then began work at Kaman Corporation at the age of 18 after a rigorous interview with Val during which he asked her, “when can you start, tomorrow?” She did start the very next day and she worked as a secretary for Val and then for Mr. Clark, both executives, for nearly 14 years until she and Val were married on May 15, 1965. The rest is treasured history with many precious stories and loved ones woven into their life tapestry. Although they did not have children, together they loved, cared for and honored their parents and they were always there for their siblings and nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. Gail was an avid birder, a pastime she enjoyed with Val and with friends and during winter trips to Rockport, MA. She kept impeccable gardens, and those who have sat in the grass with her to pull some weeds know it was a special sort of therapy she would share a laugh with you over. She also had a wonderful talent for interior decorating of her own right, always with a knack for class. Gail and Val shared a dedicated, stable, gracious, and unassuming life together, a quiet example admired by many.

Gail was predeceased by her parents, Frederick Royce and Gertrude Pease Royce, as well as by her sisters Christine Royce, June Royce Neill, and Marilyn Royce Parizek and beloved nieces Gaymarie Parizek Gottier and Estelle Tsitsibis Kriticos. She is survived by her nieces and nephews including many more great and great grand nieces and nephews who will always remember her as the one and only Aunt Gail and Great Aunt Gail (G.A.G. as she would sign her cards). It has been said, with Gail’s passing, it is the end of an era. An era of simplicity, wisdom, elegance, and times bygone and on each of us she has left a tender and fragrant imprint of grace for which we are grateful. “To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one’s self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived – this is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Private memorial services are being arranged by Mulryan Funeral Home at the convenience of the family. There will be no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be kindly made to the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, 103 Vision Way, Bloomfield, CT 06002. Sincere thanks to the women at Elder Care Associates LLC for the care they provided Gail and Val for the past many years.