Gail Ann McKenzie (nee Johnston) Gail Ann Johnston McKenzie died on September 17, 2021 at 79 years of age at home in Mill Valley, CA where she had lived for the past 49 years. Gail was born February 1, 1942 in St. Croix Falls, WI to Mort and Marion Johnston. Gail grew up and lived in Milltown, WI for 18 years, was a lifeguard, and then attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where she received her Bachelor Degree in education. She was married in Madison on June 10, 1963 to Dale W. McKenzie, her high school and college sweetheart. Their son, Bradon, was born in Madison. Gail taught elementary school in the Madison area until 1966, when the family moved to Glen Ellen, IL where she taught nearby and Dale commuted to work in Chicago. In 1967 they moved to San Francisco and Gail taught in Daly City and then in San Francisco for many years, until she retired. She was a fine teacher, deeply appreciated by students and parents. Gail studied piano at the MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis, MN for many years and often played for church, civic and school occasions. She was an accomplished cook and gave some of the best dinner parties in Marin County. She was known for her dignified gracefulness and elegant, restrained style in both dress and manner. But most importantly, she treated everyone with respect and genuine kindness always caring for others. Gail was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, George and Bob Johnston. She is survived by her husband, Dale, of Mill Valley and their son, Brad, daughter-in-law, Lindsay and grandchildren Sidney and Grayson, all of San Rafael, CA. A Remembrance service will be held at Fernwood Crematory in Mill Valley with the immediate family, and ashes will be interred at the Fernwood Cemetery. A few of her ashes will be spread on the ocean off Pt. Reyes and her beloved Hawaii.
1940 Census
Morton Johnston Head Male 35 Wisconsin
Marion Johnston Wife Female 31 Minnesota
George Johnston Son Male 3 Wisconsin
Morton Lee Johnston Son Male 2 Wisconsin