Had an upbeat, lovable personality who loved to make friends
WAKEFIELD — Gail A. Bekkenhuis, a resident of Wakefield and formerly longtime of Melrose, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, at age 59.
Gail was born in Attleboro on September 7, 1962. She persevered through health challenges to live a full and happy life marked by many friendships, hugs, and lots of laughter.
With everyone she met, Gail was always an upbeat and talkative presence, developing many friendships through all phases of her life. She enjoyed daytime activities at the Dutton Family Center in Wakefield, and supported her friends and family with a hug and a smile. She enjoyed all outings, shows, and activities, and endeared herself to many with her unbridled love for Elvis Presley, and the Food Channel.
Gail will be missed, but her upbeat, lovable personality will live on in the countless people she touched. May she rest in peace.
Gail was the loving daughter of Susanne I. (Paulus) Pratt and her late husband Charles of Wolfeboro, N.H. and Paul F. Bekkenhuis and his wife, Andrea, of Venice, Fla. Cherished sister of Frank Bekkenhuis of Peabody, Patricia Bekkenhuis of Wakefield, and step-sister of Kimberly Pratt of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; Valerie Baldwin of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; Leslie Altobelli of Atkinson, N.H. and Melissa Berryman Faria of E. Falmouth. Beloved niece of Denise Paulus of Warwick, R.I. Also survived by a host of caring friends and housemates.
Relatives and friends are invited to gather in honor of Gail’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, April 13 from 10-11 a.m., followed by a Celebration of her life at 11 a.m. Gifts may be made to Communitas, Inc., 60D Audubon Rd., Wakefield MA 01880, or to Shriners Hospital for Children, 51 Blossom St, Boston, MA 02114. For online tribute visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
