Gail Ellen Griffiths Vorse, 59
Gail Ellen Griffiths Vorse, 59, of Coeur d’Alene, suffered a sudden catastrophic hemorrhage in her brain, and passed away Friday, June 1, 2012. Born Feb. 15, 1953, in Boston, Mass., to Margerie and Steven Griffiths, as the “Middle Child” of three children.
She is survived by her daughter, Jacqué Hodge Evans (husband Alex, children Izaak and Ellyzia); her son, Shannen Del Vorse (wife Lindsay, children Ian and Quinn); ex-husband Dave Vorse; sister Katharine Hall; brother David Griffiths; and so very many friends.
With a Servant’s Heart, she served her community throughout her life, as a mother, a teacher, a social worker and an entrepreneur. She taught Headstart and Journalism, and pursuing her love of fine art, she created an art brokerage, Objet d’Art, helping local artists connect with local businesses, including coordinating and placing all the artwork that originally went into The Coeur d’Alene Resort, many pieces of which are still there today.
After earning her B.S. degree in social work she served for many years as the Executive Program Director for Trinity Group Homes, significantly advancing awareness of the plight of, and services for the Mentally Ill in Kootenai County. Many will recall her famous annual Wine Tasting fundraiser events.
In recent years she followed her heart and passion and opened her own Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services center, Empowerment2U. Her tireless service, compassion and genuine gift for helping will be greatly missed.
Gail was holistic in her approach to life, and preferred organic foods, naturopathy, yoga, long walks and breathing to western medicine; she found health, serenity, joy, spirituality and God in nature and loving relationships.
She will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to have known her. Her absence leaves a gap in our hearts which may never be filled.
A memorial celebration of her life is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 16, 2012, in the conference center at The Coeur d’Alene Resort, downtown Coeur d’Alene, with a commemorative walk on Tubbs Hill to follow. All are welcome to come and share memories of Gail. Call (208) 667-2855 if you have any questions.