Gail Rinder

Gail Rinder February 7, 1952 – August 20, 2025 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Gail Rinder, who left us peacefully on the morning of August 20, 2025, surrounded by her family. Gail often described heaven as “the big park in the sky,” and we take comfort in imagining her there now with her beloved Ashley. Born in Toronto on February 7, 1952, Gail had a lifelong love for her city. She never drove a car—she preferred to walk, ride the streetcars, and take in all the sights of the neighborhoods she adored. She cherished traditions like visiting the CNE—walking the midway and playing bingo for prizes—strolling through High Park to see the cherry blossoms, and shopping in Chinatown. Gail’s love of traveling began as a teenager and continued throughout her life. She visited many U.S. states and especially loved California, with San Francisco holding a special place in her heart. She also traveled to Australia many times, a country she came to know and love deeply. In July 2023, she shared a treasured trip with her daughter to Assateague Island in Maryland, where they marveled at the wild horses—a memory that will always be cherished. She was also happiest close to home, visiting the Riverdale Zoo, taking the ferry to Centre Island, or spending time at cottages with friends. Horses, in particular, always held a special place in her heart, a love she carried from childhood when she rode in the Don Valley. Gail had many passions—reading (right up until her last days), art, jewelry, and playing billiards. She had an electric smile, a great sense of style, and a wonderful sense of humor. Even when her health declined, she remained upbeat and never let life’s challenges get her down. Above all, Gail was a deeply kind, thoughtful, and sentimental person. She was a devoted mother, nana, sister, mother-in-law, and friend. She believed in treating everyone with kindness and taught those around her that what matters most in this world is love. Gail will be forever missed by her daughter, Sasha; son-in-law, Joey; grandchildren, Noah and Savannah; and her brother, Kenneth. She also held a special place in her heart for her dear friends Tom and Maggie, Barbie & Michael, Deana and Kaleigh, Barbara Joan, and Sharon. Her family and friends will carry her memory in their hearts, remembering her laughter, her warmth, and her love of life. In keeping with Gail’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Instead, her family will be donating a special lounger chair in her name to the hospital that provided her with compassionate palliative care. One of Gail’s favorite poems was written the year she was born, and her family wishes to share it here in her memory: --- i carry your heart with me(i carry it in) by E.E. Cummings i carry your heart with me(i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done by only me is your doing,my darling) i fear no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true) and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant and whatever a sun will always sing is you here is the deepest secret nobody knows (here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows higher than soul can hope or mind can hide) and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)