Gail Francis (Anderson) Kowalski

Gail Francis Kowalski, age 79, of Grand Haven, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2023. She was born on November 28, 1943 in Muskegon, Michigan, the youngest of five daughters, to the late Conrad and Laura ((Martin) Anderson.

As a child, Gail helped out at Anderson’s, the family grocery store, founded by her grandfather. She attended Muskegon Catholic schools, graduating from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1961.

On September 14, 1962, she married her high school sweetheart, Antone Kowalski, and they remained married and in love for 58 years until Tony’s passing on December 6, 2020. It was always Tony and Gail.

Gail was a creative whirlwind. She and Tony renovated a succession of vintage homes in Grand Haven; Tony made them sturdy, and Gail made them beautiful. She had a style all her own, and her petite frame housed a huge heart for her family, friends, and community.

For 25 years, Gail was a successful real estate agent, delighting in working with clients, many of whom became friends, who were welcomed to her home for the most warm and comfortable dinners. From her kitchen came homemade bread and wonderful meals. Gail’s kitchen was her heart; a warm and special place full of love and laughter, a true expression of her warmth and compassion. She loved hosting and made everyone feel special and welcome.

Game for an adventure or a cause, Gail threw herself into numerous community projects throughout the years. If a friend or a charitable cause needed help, she was there with Tony by her side. If the forecast was blizzard, she was ready with a big pot of soup. Tony and Gail would always be there for you, with big hearts and open arms. 

In 2001, Gail and Tony purchased the Boyden House Bed and Breakfast in Grand Haven, and a new era of hospitality was launched. Not only was that grand house a special destination for guests, it was also a place she and Tony welcomed legions of friends who gathered in the kitchen to laugh and drink wine while she cooked, or, depending on Gail’s whimsy, to enjoy scavenger hunts, costume parties, chili competitions, or performances of scenes from Shakespeare in all of the upstairs bedrooms! And there was always a Coast Guard Festival parade party, sometimes with bagpipes playing. 

Gail instilled in her children, Lisa and Kyle, a sense of adventure and possibility. She and Tony were their greatest champions and support. Gail was so very proud of her children and grandchildren; any time spent with them was a treasure and pure joy. She will be missed dearly and remembered always by her loving family and countless friends.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the extraordinary staff at Lakeshore Assisted Living and Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Their skilled and compassionate care helped Gail to feel safe, warm, and secure. 

Gail is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Mike) Mancarella; her son, Kyle (Leanne) Kowalski; grandchildren: Tony, Miranda, Tye, Kylee, Tommy and Jack Kowalski, and Jae Mancarella; and her great-grandson, Finn Fodrocy. Also surviving is Gail’s sister, Jan Ulrich; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Please join Gail and Tony’s family to celebrate their lives with stories and laughter on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., at the Porto Bello Grand Hall in the Harbourfront Place, (41 Washington Ave., Grand Haven). 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Gail’s memory to the American Alzheimer's Association-Michigan.  

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