Gail Vanderkamp Obituary

Gail Mary Vanderkamp, 76, of Deerfield, IL passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025. Born September 1, 1948, in Chicago, Illinois, Gail was a beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Mary Gertrude Sullivan. Gail was deeply cherished by her loving and supportive sisters, Sheila Holbrook and Colleen Farrell, whose unwavering bond brought comfort, joy, and strength throughout her life. Gail graduated from Sacred Heart Academy High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Nazareth College.

Gail was the loving mother of four children: J.T. (Anne) Vanderkamp, Matthew (Jenny) Vanderkamp, Emily (Corrie) Guynn, and Patricia (Jeff) Purcell. To say Gail was proud of her children is an understatement. Gail was also a doting grandmother to Beau, Charlie, Hudson, Jack, Stella, Grace, Sawyer, and Owen. She loved, cherished, and adored her grandchildren. Her smile shone brightest when she was reading to, singing with, or playing with her grandchildren. She was always happiest when surrounded by her family.

Prior to her retirement in 2015, Gail also enjoyed a fulfilling career as a teacher – first at Kipling Elementary School and then at Holy Cross Elementary School in Deerfield, IL. Gail was known for her strength, resourcefulness, and loving spirit. She was selfless – always putting the needs of her children first. She will be dearly missed, but forever remembered by all who loved her.

A visitation will be held from 4pm-7pm Friday, July 25, 2025 at Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 1787 Deerfield Rd., Highland Park, IL. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, July 26, 2025 at Holy Cross Church 724 Elder Lane, Deerfield, IL. A private burial will be held at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Parkinson's Research Foundation (https://parkinsonhope.org) or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (https://www.michaeljfox.org).