Gail Ann Vidro

Gail Ann Vidro, age 75, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Friday, September 27, 2024, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.

Gail, daughter of Dr. James and Virginia Humphrey, was born in Grand Rapids on July 27, 1949. She graduated from East Grand Rapids High School, class of 1967, and attended Michigan State University, where she earned her BA and MA in elementary education. She taught first grade for 34 years at Lowell Area Schools, but after retirement, missed interacting with children so taught at Forest Hills Presbyterian Pre-School where her first granddaughter attended.

Gail was married to Jim Vidro, a teacher at Union High School for 48 years. They had two sons: Andy and Matt. Her joy in life was raising her boys, and later, spoiling her granddaughters, Sofie, Emery, and Avalynn. Gail was a constant presence in her grandchildren’s lives, never missing a game, concert, or performance. Some things her grandchildren will miss are playing endless card games, begrudgingly participating in the three question rule, and receiving endless amounts of patience, love, and adoration.

After her 2nd retirement, Jim and Gail travelled to many countries with family and friends, attended Michigan State football and basketball games, and supported their granddaughters’ pursuits.

Gail was a gift to the Grand Rapids community with her volunteer activities. For many years, she volunteered in her granddaughters’ classrooms, was actively involved in the Mary Free Bed Guild, tutored immigrants for citizenship tests, assisted with local Triathlons, and helped wheelchair participants in the Riverbank Run.

One of Gail’s greatest gifts was her ability to connect with people. Gail loved people, and people loved her. She never missed an opportunity to connect with a stranger or to brighten someone’s day. Her friendship circle included the Greater Grand Rapids Area Craft Group, numerous card clubs, the Lowell Teacher’s Recipe Club, investment group, Gourmet Group, and many others.

Gail requested memorials to go to Mary Free Bed Guild Legacy Fund or Post-Polio Health International.

Gail is survived by her husband, Jim; sons, Andy (Ann), Matt (Alissa), grandchildren, Sofie, Emery, and Avalynn; sisters, Sue ( Rick) Steketee, Diane (Dave) Dwyer, brother-in-law, Mike McKee, and numerous in-laws: Adaline Vidro, Kenn (Barb) Vidro, Sharon Allen, Pam (Butch) Rice, Lori (Ron) Pyke, Wendy (Rick) Carlson, and Brad (Debra) Vidro. Gail was special to all her nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. James & Virginia Humphrey, sister, Joan McKee, and father-in-law, George Vidro.

The family will receive friends and family on Friday Oct 4th at the Trinity United Methodist Church, located at 1100 Lake Dr. SE, Grand Rapids, from 3:30- 4:30pm. Funeral services will be held at 4:30pm with a meal following. 

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