Gail L. Early

July 4, 1940 — May 9, 2024

Phoenix

Gail L. Early was born in South Bend, Indiana, to Leo E. and E. Irene Makela Horvath on July 4, 1940. She died peacefully in her sleep at home from complications of dementia on May 9, 2024.

A loving wife and mother, devoting her life to her family, friends, and God defined her.

She married Robert J. Early in 1958, and they moved to Indianapolis. They moved to Phoenix in 1961 with their children Mary Jane and Joseph Robert. Their daughter Jill Ann was born in Phoenix. Gail had been a parishioner at St. Francis Xavier church in Phoenix since 1961. She was active at her children’s elementary school, St. Francis Xavier, as well as their high schools, Xavier and Brophy. After her children were grown, she earned an Associate of Applied Science degree as a legal assistant from Phoenix College in 1987. She worked in various jobs over the years, including office receptionist and bookkeeper, but her primary jobs, at which she excelled, were as wife and mother. She volunteered at St. Francis, running Catholics Come Home with her husband and collecting for the St. Vincent de Paul pantry. She had a large collection of angel figurines and ornaments to inspire her. She loved Christmas and shared its joy with others throughout the year.

Gail is survived by Robert, her husband of 65 years; her daughter Mary Jane; her son, Joseph (Annette); her brother James L. Horvath (Sue); her grandsons Nicholas Early and Brian Shuff; as well as cousins, nieces, and a nephew. Her beloved daughter Jill Ann Early Shuff (David) preceded her in death, as did her parents and her brother David B. Horvath.

A Mass to celebrate Gail will be held in the St. Ignatius Chapel at St. Francis Xavier Church on Saturday, May 18, at 12 pm. Interment at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery will follow Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley or to St. Vincent de Paul.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gail L. Early, please visit our flower store.

In memory of Gail L. Early, please consider making a donation to one of the following charities:

Hospice Of The Valley (Phoenix, AZ)
The Society of St. Vincent De Paul

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Mass

Saturday, May 18, 2024

12:00 - 1:00 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)

Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church

4715 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012

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Interment

Saturday, May 18, 2024

1:15 - 2:30 pm (Mountain (no DST) time)

Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery

2033 N 48th St, Phoenix, AZ 85008