Obituary of Gail Faith Thompson

Gail Faith Thompson, 88, of Lititz, PA, formerly of Doylestown, went home to be with her heavenly Father on Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Landis Homes.  Born in Manhattan, NY, she was the daughter of the late Russell E. and M. Lillian J. Panuska Thompson.  She was raised by her maternal aunt, Rose Panuska.

Gail was a follower of Jesus Christ and involved in Baptist and Alliance congregations her entire lifetime.  Most recently, she was a member of Lancaster Alliance Church.  She was also a church organist.  Gail attended Wheaton (IL) Academy and graduated from Kings College in New York.  She was employed as a toxicologist in pharmaceutical research by Johnson & Johnson and by a pharmaceutical company in Germany.  She is also believed to be the first woman in the US to train service dogs for the blind.

In addition to being a private pilot, Gail was a certified flight instructor, took helicopter lessons, and held an air transport pilot's license.  She was literally a world traveler and would often fly private aircraft when visiting foreign countries.  She also had a penchant for adventure, including rock climbing and rappelling.

Gail was the last of her immediate family.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Hope Wasilewski; and her stepmother, Orie Spalding Thompson.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Lancaster Alliance Church, 210 Pitney Road, Lancaster, PA 17601.  There will be no public viewing.  Interment will be private.  If desired, contributions may be made in her memory to Lancaster Alliance Church.  To express a condolence or for additional information, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.