Gail Grau

life story

Loving Mother, Sister, and Friend. Accomplished Vocalist, Artist, & Floral Designer

Gail Grau passed away peacefully at Boston Medical Center with her son, Erik Grau, and son in law, Nicholas Pearson, playing her favorite music at her side. Gail's last song was, "Roam," by the B-52's.

Roam if You Want To

Gail was born in Milwaukee, WI to Melvin and Virginia Rupnick on April 18, 1956 and was the younger sister of Rene Gellings. She attended Catholic school as a child and graduated from Notre Dame High School in Milwaukee where she enjoyed singing in choral, art class, and theatre as a set designer. Gail was an active member of the Girl Scouts where she won many awards. In high school Gail found her passion for rock music and loved listening to The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix in her apple green painted bedroom.

Gail married Bill in 1977 and after having her first son, Erik in 1985, the family moved from Milwuakee, WI to Vernon, WI. Her second son, Pete was born in 1987 and Gail worked second shift so that she could stay home during the day to raise her two sons and provide a sense of routine. She enjoyed doing art with her sons and playing outside with them in the driveway or in the sandbox. During this time Gail also worked weekends at Sentry Floral designing wedding bouquets, corsages, and floral arrangements for a variety of occasions. In the early 1990's Gail began her career in Oral Surgery offices in reception and medical billing where she would work for many years.

In the mid-1990's Gail began signing in the St. James Parish of Mukwonago's choir. Shortly thereafter she met Katie and Annette, and the three would form the signing group, Vita Voce. Together they produced a number of shows for their friends and families.

In the mid-2000's as her sons were graduating high school, Gail and Bill were divorced and she moved into her own apartment in Mukwonago, WI. There she enjoyed sitting out by a pond in the summer evenings with her cat, Marshall. Gail purchased a condo in New Berlin, WI in 2012 and was excited to own her own home once again. During this time she joined the band, Dog Track Reunion as their lead singer and would perform at local bars singing covers of alternative rock songs.

In the mid-2010's, Gail sold her condo and moved to Beaver Dam, WI to be closer to her sister, Rene. While in Beaver Dam, Gail worked briefly at the Kraft Foods Factory as a line worker and at Kay Jewelers as a sales associate and was the president of the Quilt Guild. In 2020, Gail began making plans to move to Boston, MA to be closer to her son, Erik and his husband, Nick.

In Gail's final years, she made many friends in Boston, MA at the Susan Bailis Assisted Living apartments where she resided as well as at the Piano Craft Gallery where she enjoyed visiting to see art exhibitions. Gail worked with a dedicated team of health care professionals and was excited about life. She became an expert dominoes player, regularly sang karaoke, and would have evening coffee with her friends in the cafe. Gail developed a passion for going to local Goodwills to try to find unique and valuable items. During this time, Gail made strides in her mental and physical health, and was able to better manage her alcohol use disorder. During Gail's final Thanksgiving with Erik and Nick, she discussed plans she had for her future and was excited to make her signature Christmas cookies together for the holidays and Facetime with her son, Pete and his daughter, Palmer.

Gail will be remembered for her caring nature, her musical talents, and her full makeup every time she left her home. She loved raising her two sons, and enjoyed helping others.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

December 29, 2023

Celebrate the life and love of Gail Grau with her family and friends at the Susan Bailis Assisted Living Community at 352 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Pizza will be served and music will be provided by DJ Jesse for this casual event. A slideshow with pictures and some of Gail's colored glassware will be on display.