Daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, Meemaw. Gail M. Eckert was born in Chicago, Ilinois, and relocated with her family to Santa Barbara when she was 10.

She grew up in Santa Barbara surrounded by friends and met the love of her life, Barry, at Santa Barbara High School where they graduated together in 1972. They were married in 1983 and welcomed their daughters Kristine and Laura.

Gail was happiest when with her family. She adored being a mom and was happy to stay home with her two girls until they were in junior high.

She had part time jobs as her girls grew up so she could still attend all their special events.

Gail and family enjoyed taking an annual camping trip every summer to various gorgeous destinations in their motorhome. One of her favorite places was Yosemite National Park.

She instilled a love of nature and travel for her daughters. Gail welcomed her son-in-law Nick Hewes and four grandchildren into the family who adoringly called her Meemaw.

Ella, Cora, Mia and Cole were her absolute pride and joy. Watching her be a Meemaw was watching love in action. She loved having sleepovers, taking them for ice cream, going to Meemaw’s Park, eating Meemaw bars, reading books, watching shows, checking on the Big Bear eagles, going on walks, playing games, and attending all of their events.

She absolutely loved her family.

Throughout her life, you could find Gail in her garden growing beautiful flowers, documenting all her memories in her journals; reading her favorite books — some she read over and over again; scrapbooking; and enjoying the sunshine in her backyard.

She also enjoyed all of her time she spent with her many longtime friends.

For a few years, she and Barry had a second home in Jamestown, California, where they loved spending quiet time amongst nature and exploring the surrounding areas.

Gail is preceded in death by her parents Patricia and William Swanson; brother, Bill Swanson; niece Cindy Rubino; and a few deeply loved friends.

She is lovingly survived by her husband Barry Eckert; daughters Kristine Hewes (Nick), and Laura Glendinning; grandchildren Ella and Cora Hewes, and Mia and Cole Glendinning; sister Nancy Rubino (Rick); sisters-in-law Janet Gordon (Gary), and Tricia Swanson; brother-in-law Bobby Eckert; and beloved nephews and nieces.

We will miss you with all our hearts, Meemaw, and we will remember you forever.

The family invites you to a celebration of life at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 22 at Glen Annie Golf Course.