Gail Diane Perron was born and raised in Miami, Florida. She lived her life with honor, grace and caring to achieve her stated goal of “I want to go to heaven.” She found many avenues to satisfy her love of learning, travel and cats, while focusing on her goal.
Gail excelled in school and earned two Bachelor’s degrees from the University of Miami in Business Administration and Education, followed by a Master’s degree in Accounting from Florida International University. She met Florida state requirements, passed the examination and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA); however, her education did not stop there. Gail continually enrolled in courses of interest and travelled extensively, favoring France, pursuing her lifelong quest for knowledge.
During her time as a student and for a short time after graduation, Gail was the director of Student Employment at the University of Miami and helped over 1,000 students find jobs through federally funded college work programs. She moved on to Arthur Anderson & Company as a senior tax advisor before being hired by Ryder Systems, Inc., where she stayed for 22 years and advanced to level 12 federal tax specialist director’s position.
Throughout her working life, Gail found time to be involved in many volunteer and community related organizations and projects that included her chosen hometown of Miami Springs. She was president of the Miami Springs Junior Woman’s Club and a volunteer for the club’s annual Treasure Hunt, Miami Springs Woman’s Club, a member of the city’s Revitalization Committee, Board of Parks and Parkways, Chamber of Commerce, and Pension Board. She was a Eucharistic Minister for Blessed Trinity Catholic Church, and a volunteer at Fairchild Tropical Gardens and Hands on Miami. Offering her financial skills, guidance and knowledge to Curtiss Mansion Inc., an all-volunteer group that restored the historic home of Glenn H. Curtiss, was the much-needed element that helped finalize the restoration and formalize guidelines for future success.
Her intense love of cats, especially her own cat Apache, put her in touch with the local animal rescue group C.A.T.S. (Caring About the Strays), now called CPR (Community Pet Rescue), and its founder Laney Silver. Together they were a dynamic trio: Laney in the trenches, Gail giving funding advice, and Apache waiting at home to snuggle.
The Red, White & Book Club was Gail’s favorite activity for many years and gave her the opportunity to read and discuss books with interesting women. They formed lasting relationships that she treasured: Joanne Koski, Susan Lenis, Barbara Fulmer, Nancy Miller, Beth Collinsworth (who remarked that “Gail was the most loyal friend you could ever ask for”), Jean Dawson, and Laurie Morat. Some of Gail’s many friends are her favorite travel partner Ed Beals, Nancy Russo, Kathy Calt, Hayee Brodhead, Gail Klein and Francisco Arguelles.
Gail was predeceased by her parents Robert and Winifred Perron and her brother Michael Perron. Her sister Cathy Sedlik lives in CA.
Gail passed away very peacefully attended by her friend JoEllen Morgan Phillips on May 20, 2026. She left this world in the arms of an angel, reaching her life’s goal of going to heaven.
