Obituary of Gail N. Havens

Gail Noel Havens, passed away surrounded by love on March 26, 2024, at the age of 77. Born on December 2, 1946, in North Adams, MA, she was pre-deceased by her father, Neil Robare, mother Gladys Noel Robare, and a beloved brother, Craig Robare.  Her family traveled all over the country before settling in Brooklyn, NY when Gail was a teenager. She spoke fondly of working in a shirt factory on Canal Street in Manhattan when she was a young woman.  She is survived by her siblings Kenneth Robare, Cindy Lopez, and Kimberly Robare.  Gail had many loving memories of her grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins in Massachusetts.

On October 25, 1968, Gail married Allen Havens, her partner and anchor for over 55 years.  Together they were a source of strength for their children, Michele Havens, Valerie Havens, Joel (Kim) Havens, Jennifer Elmore, and Angela Havens.  She cherished her grandchildren, Destiny Drake, Tierra Gleason, Dakota Gerrity, Raegan Elmore, Ashlyn Gerrity, Braydyn Gerrity, and Allison Elmore, along with her three great-grandsons, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Though Gail was a homemaker in every sense of the word, she did enjoy her job as a sign maker in the years after her children were grown.  In retirement, Gail partnered with Allen in the running of their business, Havens Stocking Creek Morgans, where her primary responsibilities were money manager, flower bed keeper, and camp cook.

As a mother and grandmother, Gail’s presence was a comforting assurance of unwavering support. She always loved to hear what was going on in your life and often asked too many questions. She loved a good laugh and a cup of coffee.  Gail instilled the values of unconditional love, generosity, and the importance of family in all of us.  She opened her home to all that were a part of the lives of her family, including many friends and children.  

Gail truly found happiness in the simple pleasures of life.  Her homemade meals were her way of nurturing her loved ones and bringing the family together.  We often joked that “we cooked turkey the old fashion way, we let our mom do it”, but no one could do it better.  Gail was an avid lover of games and puzzles: board games, card games, games on her tablet, and rarely was there a family holiday that did not include them.  These moments of playful competition resulted in many happy memories.  In recent years she enjoyed numerous rounds of Battleship and Words with Friends on her tablet with family and friends.  Gail always had large puzzles to keep her busy through the colder months and loved company when doing them.  Through the years she spent countless hours in her gardens and flower beds.  She preserved immeasurable amounts of food from her gardens, which she shared with her family.  Gail was very proud of her beautiful flower gardens and was always our go to person in the name or proper care of a flower or plant.

Gail was the heart of our family traditions.  She adored her grandchildren, with whom she shared the joy of creating lasting memories. From decorating cookies at Christmas, and making every birthday and holiday special.  These traditions, infused with her love and care, will be carried on by her family, a living legacy of her thoughtful spirit.  Let us honor her memory by continuing her favorite traditions, remembering her giving heart, and enjoying the simple things in life that bring us joy.  In her own words, written in a note to her granddaughter, “The one thing I hope for you, whatever you may do, is that you find happiness and contentment in the rest of your life.”  

In remembrance of Gail Noel Havens, we ask that you make a donation to your favorite charitable organization or plant a tree.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday April 6, 2024 from 11:00-1:00 with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home.  A graveside service and burial will follow in Nondaga Cemetery, Bath.