Gail C. Powell

Gail Carol McBrearty Powell, affectionately known as “Flash,” passed away on July 3, 2025, in Indian River, Michigan, at the age of 73. Born on March 8, 1952, in Highland Park, Michigan, Gail was a beloved daughter, sister, mother, and ardent animal lover whose deep convictions and even deeper love left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Gail was the cherished daughter of Edward Michael McBrearty and Emma Helen LePella, both of whom preceded her in death. She is survived by her devoted children, Stacey Lynn Powell and James Edward Powell; her loving brother, Barry McBrearty; and is reunited in rest with her brother, Edward Michael McBrearty.

A proud graduate of the Madison High School Class of 1970, Gail embraced motherhood as her life’s true calling. Her children were the center of her world, and she devoted herself fully to raising them into caring, curious, and principled adults. Gail was, above all else, fiercely protective—her support and loyalty to her family unwavering. She had a strong spirit and never shied away from an argument, especially when it came to defending those she loved or championing what she believed in. If you crossed paths with Gail, there’s a good chance you experienced her passionate nature firsthand—she was never afraid to stand her ground. Yet, underlying that strong will was a heart that loved deeply and persistently, never half-heartedly.

Gail lived by the wise motto, “agree to disagree,” a lesson she passed on from her father to her own children, whom she tirelessly encouraged towards kindness, open-mindedness, and integrity. Many childhood days were spent at the public library, leaving with boxes of books, and the countless hours she spent helping them study or teaching them the golden rule left a lasting legacy.

A true blue Democrat, Gail relished a good debate—especially online, where she enjoyed sparring with Republicans in true Flash style. She was an unapologetic advocate for her beliefs and instilled that same courage of conviction in her children.

Her joys were simple but profound: crocheting, browsing for trinkets at the dollar store, and filling her home with a beloved collection of owls, angels, dolphins, and teddy bears. Above all, her love for animals defined her—her home always filled with the happy chaos of rescued pets: fish, birds, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and even the occasional garter snake. Her philosophy, “My favorite breeds of furballs are rescues,” was not just a saying but a way of life. Most recently, her cats Simba and Kainah and her beloved black Labrador Charlie, a gift from her daughter, were her constant companions.

Gail also had a penchant for television, especially the series “Sons of Anarchy,” which she watched countless times beginning in 2011. She never started her day without her cherished “cuppa covvffee” and, true to her nature, sometimes just wanted to stay home because, as she liked to say, “it’s too peoplely outside.”

A private soul with a generous spirit, Gail’s greatest wish would be for others to honor her legacy by showing kindness to animals. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks donations be made to your local animal shelter in her memory.

“We’re all special just the way we are,” she often said, and Gail’s special spirit will be forever remembered and deeply missed by her family and all who were fortunate enough to love her.