Gael Ann Brockerman

Gael Ann Brockerman, age 75, passed away in Bellingham, WA on March 14, 2022. Gael was born on June 20, 1946, in Port Orchard, WA to Louis “Bud” and Thelma (Olsen) Brockerman The oldest of four children, Gael was raised in Port Orchard. Upon graduating high school she hopped on a train to the East Coast where she attended school at Boston College in New York. After some time back east, Gael headed west again and finished school with her teaching credentials and degrees in History and Geography from Western Washington University in Bellingham. Gael caught the travel bug young. After graduating college, she worked several summers fishing in Alaska, spending the rest of each year traveling the world. Gael continued to pursue her passion for travel the rest of her life. When she stayed in one place for a bit, Gael would cultivate beautiful gardens and earned her Master Gardener’s certificate. Her love of the geography and culture of Japan blossomed in her Japanese gardens. A foodie, long before anyone used the word “foodie,” Gael owned a catering business, supplied gourmet deserts to Bellingham area restaurants, and was the owner of La Belle Rose, a French restaurant at the Bellingham Marina. Travel instilled in Gael a love for history and a keen eye for art and fine design. In the early 1990’s Gael met the man that was to become her life partner, John Gardiner. The adventures Gael and John had together were many and far flung. They travelled, raced John’s cars, and shared the small daily joys of life devoted to one another. Along the way, Gael became a wonderful role model for John’s daughter, Suzanne. Gael was dedicated and loyal to family and friends. When there were problems, Gael was always part of the solution. She would brighten any room with her lovely presence, and warm the coldest of hearts with her kindness and compassion. She left a light footprint on the earth, and a lasting mark on all those she touched. Gale is survived by her partner John Gardiner, siblings; Gordon (Connie) Brockerman, Denise Morris, Gary (Jen) Brockerman, and step-mother Loraine Brockerman. A Celebration of Gael’s Life will be held on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, 1:00pm at Moles Farewell Tributes – Bayview Chapel, 2465 Lakeway Dr., Bellingham, WA 98229.

Gael Ann Brockerman

June 20, 1946 - March 14, 2022