Gail Jeanne Williams
April 25, 1941 – October 22, 2026
Gail Jeanne Williams died peacefully at home in New York City on October 22, 2026, at the age of 85.
She was the beloved sister of Daniel G. Williams of Alexandria, Virginia, and the daughter of the late Wilma K. Williams (née Krug) and Roger D. Williams, formerly of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Gail was married to her beloved husband, the late Lawrence Racies of New York City. She is survived by her stepdaughter, Robin Hammond of Westport, Connecticut; her stepsons, Lawrence Racies Jr. of Florida and Phillip Racies of Portugal; and many step-grandchildren.
Born in Norwalk, Connecticut, on April 25, 1941, Gail moved with her family during early childhood to Sparkill and West Nyack, New York, before they settled in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1947.
An outstanding student, Gail graduated at the top of her class from Manheim Township High School in 1959. She went on to graduate Phi Beta Kappa from Wellesley College in 1963, majoring in French literature. She was awarded a Fulbright scholarship for the 1963–64 academic year to continue her studies in France, first in Lyon and later at the Sorbonne in Paris.
In 1964, Gail began her career with the French Broadcasting Company’s New York office. She soon found her lifelong professional calling as a radio engineer at CBS Radio in New York City, where she helped facilitate interviews with numerous prominent men and women over the years. She retired from CBS in 1997.
Gail enjoyed a rich and varied life, with interests that included the Metropolitan Opera, extensive travel around the world—especially to France, gardening on her 14th-floor terrace, swimming, beach trips, and singing with accomplished choruses in New York City.
Above all, Gail had a deep love for her many rescued cats over the years, giving them loving homes and lives they might not otherwise have known. Her devotion to them was a particularly cherished part of her life.
A celebration of Gail’s life will be held at a future date.
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