The Honourable Gail Shea, a prominent Canadian politician and dedicated public servant, passed away peacefully at the O'Leary Community Hospital with her family by her side, leaving behind a legacy of commitment to her community and country. She is survived by her five children and their spouses: Sally Harper (Scott), Kelly Shea Rayner (Glen), Sandy (Lauralee), Holly Phillips (Mark), and Shawn (Janice). Gail also leaves behind her 17 cherished grandchildren: Allison, Jill, and Ted Harper; Levi Rayner; Joel, Nick, Zack, and Dylan Matthews; Dreenan Leclair (Shelby); Casey and Sadie Phillips; Chelsey Hustler; Payton and TJ Collins; Andie, Laurel, Penny Shea and her great grandchildren Brynley and Jersey Coughlin.

Gail also leaves behind her siblings, Sonny Doucette, Cathy (Late Bill) Gallien, Jackie (Judy) Doucette, Glenn (CarolAnn) Doucette, sister-in-law, Verna Doucette (Alan) as well as her Shea in-laws, Wilson (Late Mary),  Cletus (Arlene), Gertrude (Ken) Jones, Eileen (Ernest) Gallant, Richard (Elaine), Louis (Brenda), Leo (Theresa), Mary (Clarence) Gallant, Claude (Kim), Paul (Sharon), Telly (Bill) Aylward and Mike (Tammy), Jackie (Robert) Allain and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gail was predeceased by her husband, Russell Shea, in 2021; her parents, Roy and Elva Doucette; her brother, Alan Doucette and father and mother in law, Wilson and Patricia Shea

Born in 1959 in Prince Edward Island, Gail was known for her unwavering passion for politics and her tireless work in advocating for the interests of her constituents. She was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island from 2000 to 2007, representing District 27 Tignish-Deblois. During her time in the provincial legislature, she served as Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and the Status of Women as well as Minister of Transportation and Public Works. Her most proud accomplishment was advocating and pushing to have Route 2 designated as part of the Trans Canada Highway system. Gail's dedication and leadership in provincial politics laid the groundwork for her later success at the federal level.

Gail served as a Member of Parliament for the riding of Egmont from 2008 to 2015, representing the Conservative Party. During her time in office, she held various important roles, including Minister of National Revenue, Minister of responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. Gail was instrumental in shaping policies that affected rural communities, particularly in the areas of agriculture, fisheries, and taxation. Her dedication to her work earned her the respect and admiration of colleagues and constituents alike.

Beyond her political career, Gail was a beloved community leader, actively involved in numerous organizations and initiatives that aimed to improve the quality of life in her region. She loved to cook and feed her family and friends; her kitchen and cottage were always full of people, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Her deep commitment to veterans and the dedication to the Tignish Legion Branch 6 exemplified her passion for serving those who served our country. She was known for her warm spirit, keen intelligence, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Her contributions to public service and her commitment to making a difference will be cherished and remembered by many. Gail’s lifelong dream to build a centre that honoured Stompin' Tom and his Skinners Pond roots was realized after she formed a strong friendship with Tom. After his passing she worked with the development board and Tom’s family to see the project come to life. Gail and her family enjoyed the centre and the free daily concerts on a regular basis. 

In lieu of flowers, Gail requests that donations be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation and the O'Leary Community Hospital Palliative Care Wing.

Resting at Rooney Funeral Home, Alberton, with visiting hours on Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and Tuesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Funeral service will be held Wednesday afternoon at St. Simon and St. Jude Church, Tignish, for Funeral Mass at 2:30 p.m., Rev. Tim Broderick and Rev. Frank Quinn officiating. Interment to follow in the church cemetery followed by a public reception at the Tignish Royal Canadian Legion.