Gail Ann Auferoth

Born in Brooklyn, New York on August 18, 1952 to Joseph Henry and Josephine D. von Brachel, Gail lived a life filled with love, adventure, and dedication to her family and passions.

Gail is survived by her husband of 55 years, John; daughters Jennifer Lynn Shrader (Brandon), and Jillann Brusstar (George); grandchildren Willow and Oak Shrader, Hannah, Gloria, and George Brusstar; brother John von Brachel (Susan) and their daughters Tess and Elinor von Brachel; as well as nieces Jessica, Lucy, Kim, Nicole, Erica and nephew Edward. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother Henry.

Gail and John met while attending Montgomery County Community College. They shared many loves, one of which was being Nascar fans. Gail and John attended more than 15 Daytona 500’s, some with friends. Gail even got to ride along in a real Nascar stock car as a gift from her family.

Gail’s professional journey was one of commitment and connection. She made lifelong friendships with co-workers and was seen as a second mom by some of the younger friends she made. Her years with both Hallmark and American Greetings helped her develop an incredible sense for gift-giving. It brought her great joy to send cards for every imaginable occasion. Her impeccable gift wrapping skills could be attributed to the Hallmark training videos she would bring home. Her presents looked so pretty, and the attention to detail even down to the handmade bows, showed how much of her heart was in each package.

Gail had a love for nature and animals that was apparent through her volunteer work with the Philadelphia Zoo Shop. She loved being there and seeing the animals. She was devastated when the primate house burned down, as she knew each one by name. Her love for the outdoors was also shown in her walking of the full trail at Valley Forge National Park with her dog Millie. Gail also loved to drive - any distance, any direction, often finding the most scenic routes to each journey.

One of Gail’s most treasured roles was that of being “Gigi” to her grandchildren. She embraced the opportunity to help care for Willow and Oak from the time they were infants so their mother, Jennifer, could still work. She would take them everywhere from the Zoo to Valley Forge, where she would often meet up with her daughter Jillann and her three children, so the grandkids could all play together.

Gail’s legacy is one of love - for her family, friends, nature, animals, and life itself. Memories of Gail will live on in the hearts of all those that knew her.

A Celebration of Life ceremony for Gail will be held on Friday May 1st, 2026 from 12 noon till 1 pm at Fairview Village Church, 3044 W Germantown Pike, Eagleville, Pa 19403. Luncheon will follow in the church cafe.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to any of Gail’s four favorite organizations:

https://www.stjude.org/donate - St Jude’s Hospital

https://www.shrinerschildrens.org - Shriner’s Hospital

https://defenders.org/ - Defenders of Wildlife

https://www.humaneworld.org - Humane World for Animals