GAIL D. FISH
MARATHON – Gail D. Riese Fish 61, of Marathon, born to parents Vernon and Beverly Riese, passed away peacefully on Saturday March 1, 2014. She was predeceased by her father Vernon Riese. She is survived by her loving husband Tom Fish of 40 years, her two sons Scott (Tiffany) and Mark (Jessica), her mother and stepfather Beverly and Lawrence Johnson, her two brothers Terry (Gail) Riese and Jerry (Kathy) Riese. She is also survived by her cousins, as well as her husband’s siblings and many nieces and nephews.
Gail graduated from Marathon Central School in 1970, became a Registered Nurse from Binghamton General School of Nursing in 1973 graduating as Valedictorian. Gail was always a nurse, but would continue her education in Nursing at Syracuse University where she received her Bachelors in Nursing in 1995, her Masters in Nursing and Certificate of Nursing Administration in 1999 and Post Masters in Education from Upstate Medical University in Syracuse in 2003. Gail comforted and took care of patients in ICU and the emergency room at Binghamton General Hospital and Cortland Memorial Hospital for twenty years. After receiving her Bachelors in Nursing, Gail worked as a Nursing Case Manager at Lourdes Hospital in Binghamton. In 2001, Gail accepted a position as an Assistant Professor of Nursing at SUNY Morrisville where she educated future Registered Nurses for eleven years. Gail worked part-time at Highgate Nursing Home in Cortland, Vestal Nursing Home, and the NYS Veterans Home in Oxford, NY as a Clinical Nurse Specialist and staff educator. Gail received multiple awards and distinctions as a nurse and educator.
She enjoyed spending time with her family on vacation at the beach, taking many trips around the world to museums specializing in impressionist art in France, England, and the Netherlands. She was a scout leader for the Boy Scouts of America. In the early 90s she was instrumental as a lobbyist and activist against putting a toxic waste dump in Central NY. Gail was part of multiple professional organizations including Doorways to Healing and a founding member of the Barnes Foundation. Gail devoted her life to family, friends and increasing the standard of nursing to its highest level.
Calling hours will be Friday March 7, 2014 from 5-7 p.m. at A.C. Baker Funeral Home in Marathon NY, and 10-11 a.m. Saturday March 8, 2014 at the Presbyterian Church in Marathon with a funeral service and luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to one of the following organizations: SUNY Morrisville Norwich Campus, Doorways to Healing Painted Post NY, and the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be made at acbakerfuneral.com.