Gail Esther Cornell

Gail Esther Cornell was born on June 22, 1960, in Charleston, SC, the youngest of three girls in an Air Force family that moved around before settling in Tucson, Arizona. Her middle name, Esther, was her mother’s first name, something Gail was always proud of. Gail passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025, after battling Frontotemporal Dementia for five years.

Gail’s love of horses began at an early age, loving the mechanical ponies at the grocery store. A few years later, she began earning money to rent horses to ride. After reaching adulthood, she began owning her own horses at home and then boarding them at various stables. She could always be counted on to bring treats for her horses and others as well. Gail was known to wear her spurs after riding, even to the Scripture Study sessions at her parish, which many remember at Santa Catalina Catholic Church.

She graduated from Palo Verde High School in Tucson in 1979. She was active in sports and excelled at volleyball. There really was not much that Gail could not become proficient in.

Gail’s first job was working at Burger King. After this, she became interested in dentistry and became a dental assistant, working for most of her dental career with Dr. Kensinger (Dr. K.). She was a successful real estate agent in the Tucson and Reno areas for many years. Not surprisingly, she was chosen to participate in the first Tucson House Hunters episode. Throughout her adult life, Gail was also a model, appearing in magazines, billboards, and television commercials.

Gail married Mike Lopez when she was young, and after a long marriage, they parted ways. They share a daughter, Kristina.

Aunt Gail was the greatest, attending numerous sporting events, graduations, and anything that interested her nieces and nephews.

Larry and Gail were fortunate to meet each other, finding love and an amazing friendship. The love between them was evident to those around. They enjoyed traveling with friends and many other adventures. There were three sailboats named Gail Force, inspired by the positive force she always was. She also enjoyed camping and developed many friends everywhere she went. Gail had a long list of friends, many of whom were like family. She had a natural ability to befriend everyone she met, making each of them feel special.

Gail felt compelled to help others and was a loving and caring person to those in need. She volunteered to visit many in Hospice care for many years in Tucson. Helping and caring for others came naturally to her. She loved to make positive, caring impacts on those in need. Who would know that she would need this care later in life.

Gail and her husband Larry are long-time parishioners at Santa Catalina Catholic Church and enjoyed the fellowship and spiritual growth available at this amazing church. While her illness took away many of her abilities, her faith never wavered.

Gail is survived by her husband Larry, daughter Kristina, and stepchildren Julianne Cornell and Tyler Cornell (Kelsey). She is also survived by her loving sisters Carol Hartz (Steve) and Lynda Smith (Mike). She also has many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at Santa Catalina Catholic Church - 14380 N Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ  85739

Schedule for services:  10am- 11am - Visitation & Rosary, 11am Funeral Mass, After Funeral Mass a Reception at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Valley are welcomed in recognition of their caring assistance.