Gail Pearson passed peacefully in her home on Friday, December 8th, 2023. She was the daughter of the late Horace and Angie Ascanio.
Born and raised in Pittsburg, CA, she graduated from Pittsburg High School, class of 1962 and went on to attend Diablo Valley College and San Francisco State. In 1967, she married David Pearson and went to work at the Dow Chemical Company.
Starting in the accounting department, she retired as Human Resource Manager after a 30-year successful and rewarding career.
Over the years, she dedicated her time to many organizations and to the Pittsburg Community that she loved. Including Pittsburg’s Boy’s and Girl’s club, Chamber of Commerce, Historical Society, and the Vincent A. Davi Scholarship Committee. She also volunteered at the Church of Good Shepherd, Relay for Life, and the AARP tax assistance program. In 2010, recognized for her enthusiasm, leadership, and commitment, she was awarded Volunteer of the Year by the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce and received the Community Service Lifetime Achievement award by the Soroptimist International of Pittsburg.
Gail loved gardening, spending time with her many girlfriends, watching the SF Giants (Buster Posey!), and traveling with her husband David, family, and friends. Most important to Gail was her family and carrying on the family traditions, especially baking Italian cookies during the holidays.
Preceded in death by her sister Joyce Cardinale, brother in-laws Sal Cardinale and Jack Smario, she leaves behind her husband David Pearson, sisters Marlene Smario and Janet Ascanio. She was a beloved “Auntie Gail” to Phil Cardinale (Amy), Vicky Cardinale (Curtis), Laura Lanfranchi, Sandie Smario Alison (Len), Steve Smario (Jeryn), Rick Smario (Lisa), and great nieces and nephews, Alex, Kayla, Rachel, Nicole, Colette, Anthony and Christian.
She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed for her generosity, genuine care for others, and no-nonsense attitude.
A memorial mass will be held on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at 11:30 am at Church of the Good Shepherd in Pittsburg, CA.
Donations can be made in Gail’s memory to the charity of your choice.
