Gail Bonita Ford Engelbrecht

Gail Bonita (Ford) Engelbrecht was born July 25th, 1946, the first child of Ronald and Eva Ford. Bonita means beautiful, and she certainly was!  She had the brains to match her beauty and was someone that you’d never overlook.

As a teen, she focused on school, boys, and working.  She became Valedictorian of her class and met her life-long best friend, Carole Kelly. In August 1965, Gail wed Richard Engelbrecht and dove into a farm life.  She also began her most important role as mother to Richard Ronald, Cherie Lyn, and Randal Karl. While Gail’s life was very busy with her kids, farm work, and house projects, she found time for friends and community organizations.  She was very proud of her involvement in the Eastern Star and was elected to the prestigious role of District Matron in 1979.

Once the children were grown, Gail went back to school to finish her degree in Education at Utica College and enjoyed 20 years teaching History at Morrisville-Eaton Central School. Her students saw her as their instructor, guide, role model, and mentor, and many of them kept in touch with her long after they left school. 

During this time, Gail bought a rundown camp at Eaton Brook Reservoir that went on to become known as the Purple Palace for its size and deep purple paint.  She spent many happy days at camp, enjoying planting flowers, swimming in the water, and the sunshine. Gail built memories with her children and, most importantly, her grandchildren. Jessica and Mason to Rick, Keith and Jill to Cherie, and Brody and Blake to Randy all spent time staying and playing with Grandma Gigi at the lake.  She met Jim Hibbard, whom she enjoyed spending time with and traveling the U.S.  With him, Gail fulfilled a life-long-dream with a trip to Alaska.

A few years after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, Gail moved to Rochester to be near her children and their families.  She was able to enjoy sports, holidays, and trips to get ice cream with the people she cared for the most.  It’s not surprising that Gail had many friends and suitors in her assisted living facility and made a very special friend who was with her until her final moments.

Some things never changed for Gail.  During her entire life, friends and family enjoyed her vivaciousness, her crazy laugh, and her beautiful smile. Gail’s family, her great humor, and positive outlook sustained her until the end of her life.  She will be deeply missed by all who loved her and the only appropriate way to close the narrative of her life is by quoting her favorite song.  Gail Bonita, You Are My Sunshine.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 10:30 AM, at the Paul Funeral Home of Madison, with the Reverend Jennifer Neidhart, Pastor, of the Madison United Methodist Church, officiating.  Interment will take place alongside Gail’s mother and father, Eva and Ron, in Madison Village Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the funeral home, 3592 South Street in Madison, on Sunday, November 2, from 1-3PM.  Compassionate and personal care is being provided to Gail and her family by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director, of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison.  To offer a condolence, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net