Gail B. Ranzoni, 83, passed away peacefully on December 5, 2024. A retired registered nurse, she had battled cancer and other illnesses since 1987. Gail was the daughter of Sterling “Bud” Freeland and Florence Reed Blakeney.
Gail grew up in Van Deusenville in Housatonic with her brother Daniel Leroy Blakeney, who passed away in 2020. She was very close to her cousin Clare Lester, who was like a sister to her. Clare passed away in 2015.
Gail graduated from the former Searles High School in 1958 and completed her nurse’s training at Bishop Memorial School of Nursing at Pittsfield General Hospital in 1961.
Gail married Albert P. Ranzoni Jr. in 1964 and followed him throughout his military career living in California, North Carolina, and Boston before they built a home and raised their family in Alford. They were married for 40 years until his passing in 2004.
Gail had a varied nursing career over the years. Before her retirement, she worked as a devoted home caregiver to the elderly. She also had a special spot in her heart for caring for children with autism. She was a lover of all animals, flowers, playing board games, and 50s music.
Gail leaves her three daughters: Angela Ranzoni (Will) of Silver Spring, Md.; Ginni Ranzoni (Cliff) of Lanesborough, and Robyn Hoy (Mike) of Peyton, Colo. She also leaves two grandchildren, Evan Sheridan and Makayla Hoy; her brother-in-law James Ranzoni; as well as her beloved cat, Sassy. Gail was a dedicated member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation in Great Barrington for 48 years and leaves many dear friends who were also her extended family.
Gail’s daughters would like to thank the staff of Elder Services at HospiceCare in the Berkshires, including Beth and Lynn, who worked tirelessly for her comfort, as well as the members of the Great Barrington congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, many of whom lovingly helped and stayed with Gail in her greatest time of need.
Services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 1 p.m., at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1480 N Main St., Sheffield, MA. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories after the service at Dewey Hall, 91 Main St., Sheffield, MA, from 3 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gail’s memory can be made to the Great Barrington congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Berkshire Humane Society in care of Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230.
