By MEG LENIHAN HUTCHESON Chair, English Department
In Memoriam: gail chesworth-taylor
Gail Chesworth-Taylor: ‘An architect of school pride’
recharge the batteries and put that pep back in your step. What a wonderful reminder that goodness can be imparted through simple, thoughtful gestures.” From Linda Pietras, Business Office Administrative Assistant:
“Gail’s love for life was so vibrant and so infectious . . . I loved her enthusiasm for every holiday and her To many in the WMA community, Gail Chesworth- like this.’ Because she knew me so well, because she knew all of us so well, she was ALWAYS caring for her husband, her mom, her fur babies Taylor will be remembered as more than just the right; and the one she brought to show me always and the students at WMA. She made the store a manager of our Campus Store. Ms. Chesworthhappened to be my size. She would do the same place not only for purchasing merchandise but also Taylor was a lovely soul who created community thing with stuff for my wife, Stephanie. She was a place to come to chat about life and, of course, and made the bookstore a favorite destination for ALWAYS right then, also, and she would say have a mint. I worked for her during Reunion so many on campus. Whether giving out candy with a twinkle in her eyes ‘just take it home to when she couldn’t, and the amount of past students to the faculty children or providing treats to the her and I’ll charge it to your account.’ who came in the store that were disappointed she faculty dogs or assisting a new student in “She knew all of the kids just as well, perhaps was not there was testament that she was a huge purchasing their books or helping an alum with better, and she was quick to let us know if she part of WMA culture.” a gift suggestion, Ms. Chesworth-Taylor was sensed a kid was struggling so we could get a head a person of generosity, integrity, strength and start helping them. She was ALWAYS right about From Erik Kindblom, Dean of Academics & warmth who made WMA a better place. She was those things, too. This is all because Gail paid a caretaker—someone who took great pride in Institutional Analysis: attention, ALWAYS and intentionally, to all of us.” “Gail would ALWAYS speak of our students in the handling all our needs. She was an architect of school pride, selecting wonderful WMA clothing, nicest of ways. It was her nature to be friendly and swag and accessories to foster school spirit. So helpful. My fondest memory of Gail was when From Caroline Smith, Executive Assistant the next time you wear your WMA gear, please Middle School kids would have a quick break. You to the Head of School: remember Ms. Chesworth-Taylor, who provided “She always had a warm, pleasant smile on her would see them running up the stairs, around the for us with such commitment and care. We will corner and into the bookstore to grab some candy, face and a calming sense about her. I always miss her dearly. which Gail always had plenty of. You would hear admired her strength and resilience and to me, she was my hero . . . After working together for over 15 Gail ask, ‘How is your day going?’ And for the next Ms. Chesworth-Taylor passed away on Nov. 21, 2020. 3-to-5 minutes the Middle Schoolers would tell her years, she knew what I needed from the bookstore everything they could until they realized they were at specific times of the year. It is comforting to going to be late to their next class . . . and from afar, know that she is no longer in pain and suffering, From Brian P. Easler, Head of School: you saw Gail, with a warm smile. You could see and I am sure she will be sadly missed by the “I remember how Gail would bring me new that those were the moments she cherished.” many of us who knew and loved her.” clothing items from the bookstore when they came in and she would say, ‘Brian . . . I think you’ll From Sue Wood, former Rich Hall receptionist:
From Erika Whipple, Athletic Trainer and Assistant Director of Athletics:
“She was a dear friend and an inspiration to so “I have tons of very fond memories with Gail. When many. She always had a kind word and a quick my nephew was fighting cancer, she asked every day smile and such a gentle temperament. She was about him and she was there when I got the phone a very sweet woman who was loved by all who call of his passing. She was so supportive and led me were lucky enough to have her in their lives. in the right direction. My dogs, Kalli and Tilli, What an inspiration Gail was to me every day would take stuffed animals from the bookstore and when I would see her pushing through with never take them for a walk down the hallways, and Gail a complaint and always something positive to would love to see them play with them and finally say. Her lunchtime stories about her loving mom gave each of them one that lived on the bottom shelf and adoring husband, Greg, gave us a window in the bookstore. She was one of the strongest, most into the abundant love she had in her life.” caring women I have met.” From Stuart Whitcomb, Director of the WMA Middle School:
From Gary Cook, Faculty: History & Global Studies:
“For many, Gail and the bookstore served as an “Gail was always upbeat, with a smile ready! She was oasis. Whether age 3 or 73, two-legged or four, easy to work with, professional yet personal . . . and Gail knew having a place to stop for a quick hello, she was so helpful and so cheerful. I miss her every a warm smile and a treat was a lovely way to time I walk by the bookstore.”
WILB R AHAM & MONSON AC ADEMY
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