Gail Frances (née Taccola) Ulcigrai, of Chicago, Orland Park, and most recently Western Springs, was called to her eternal rest in the arms of Christ on November 10, 2023 at the age of 77. Gail is survived by her husband of 56 years, Elvio Ulcigrai; loving mother of Marisa (Michael) Yates, Alan (Diane) Ulcigrai, Richard (Kimberly) Ulcigrai, Robert (Leesa) Ulcigrai, and the late Tammy Ulcigrai; proud grandmother of Amanda (Daniel) Clarke, Jackson, Ella, and Olivia Yates, Alan Jr., Anabelle, Lorenzo, and Lia Ulcigrai, Gianna and Tyler Ulcigrai, Tony Ulcigrai, Isabella Muzquiz, Jeremy, and Dominic Ulcigrai; proud great-grandmother of baby boy Clarke due January 5, 2024; dearest daughter, sister, aunt, godmother, cousin, and friend of many. Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy and Otello Taccola and her brothers Gerald and Alan Taccola.
Gail was the center of our family. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother above all else. She loved to cook and bake for and take care of her husband, children, and grandchildren and be with her family. She cherished being a grandmother to her 14 grandchildren and they were the light of her life. Her last wish was to be here for the birth of her first great grandson due in January.
Gail had a long career at Chase Bank in customer service where her cheerful disposition and kindness resulted in a successful career and many friendships. Gail also loved to vacation, knit, crochet, scrapbook, read, walk, and spend time having coffee or tea with her friends. She embraced her friends and made them feel like family. She cared deeply for others, and her optimism, constant smile, and hopefulness were contagious. She touched many lives and was an inspiration to all who knew her. Gail will be missed dearly but she will be with us forever and her spirit will live on in each of us.
We welcome all who knew and loved Gail to attend her visitation on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th Street, Countryside, Illinois. Funeral Mass and prayers to follow on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 beginning at 10:15am from Hallowell & James Funeral Home to St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Road, Western Springs, Illinois, for 11am Mass. Procession from Church to final resting place at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S Wolf Road, Hillside, Illinois.
A livestream and video playback of the Funeral Mass will be available at stjohnofthecross.org. There is a green livestream box within the right side of the image that will take you to Facebook, where a post will appear at the time of the Funeral Mass to view it live. Additionally, the Funeral Mass will be available to be viewed at a later time by accessing the video link at that Facebook page.
Funeral information: (708) 352-6500.
To the Ulcigrai family – our condolences on Gail’s passing. May your many memories of your time spent with her ease your pain in the days and weeks ahead.
Greg & Jane Thompson family
Thank you to the Thompson family. Your kind words are appreciated.
Alan Ulcigrai and family.
To the Ulcigrai family,
Your mom was beautiful inside and out. What a pleasure to be around. Her smile was contagious.
As a neighbor on 76th st, in our child bearing years, we shared many laughs. Good bye good friend.
Much love to the Ulcigrai family. You are in our thoughts and prayersnn