Gail Pasch

Gail Pasch, 77, of Santa Fe, NM, died on February 1, 2023 at home. Gail is survived by her husband John; her children Anna-Lise (Andrew) Santella and John (Pam) Pasch; her grandchildren Andy Santella, Gwenyth Pasch, Malaika Pasch; her sisters Marta (Paul Courant) Manildi and Sara Manildi; her nephew Sam Courant, her beloved dog Piper; and many family and friends who loved her. She is predeceased by her mother Norma Sears Manildi and father Richard Manildi. Services will be private. Donations in her memory may be sent to the Mayo Clinic, Smith College, or the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance.

Gail was born in San Francisco on September 3, 1945 and though she moved to Fremont, Michigan while still a child, she never lost her love of California, and especially of her visits to the family ranch in Santa Cruz. She graduated from Fremont High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan, where she met John David Pasch; they were married in 1965.

Gail loved the outdoors and was an avid hiker and camper. Her love of the mountains led her to Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico, where first she took summer astronomy classes, then began leading backpacking trips for women, and later joined the board. She fell hard for New Mexico and she and John eventually moved to Santa Fe.

Gail was also a lifelong learner, teacher, lover of books, art, music, good food, and travel—all things she loved sharing with friends and family. Her joy, zest for life and her curiosity about the world were inspiring and infectious to those lucky enough to spend time with her. Even as ALS began to limit her experience of the world, she never failed to notice the beauty right outside her window and share it with someone she loved. We will miss her terribly.