Gail Podlenski

Age 86 of Joliet, Illinois, formerly of New Lenox, Illinois passed away peacefully on June 25, 2026 at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

Gail was born on September 11, 1939 in Brockton, Massachusetts to Edward Coyle Jackman of Oroville, California and Sybil Lenore Jackman of Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. Gail was raised in North Easton, Massachusetts along with her two sisters. She attended the New England Baptist College of Nursing and spent her early nursing career in both Honolulu, Hawaii and Anchorage, Alaska.

Gail married Frederick H. Podlenski and raised three children: Laura, Kenneth, and Mark, in New Lenox. Gail’s kindness for children was shared not only with her biological children, but the countless children she cared for while working as a pediatric nurse at Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet. She enjoyed travel and visited locations across North America and Europe with her children. Gail loved the ocean and going on cruises, especially cruises to Alaska.

Gail recently moved to the Sunny Hill Nursing Home in Joliet, receiving excellent care there while making new friendships. She loved bingo (even though the bingo numbers called never seemed to be in her favor) as well as the day outings offered there.

Gail’s kindness touched many lives. She will be missed by her children, her nieces and nephews, and anyone who had the good fortune to encounter such a kind and selfless human being.

Survivors include two children: Laura Podlenski of Wilmington, Illinois and Kenneth Podlenski of San Diego, California, and several nieces and nephews. Gail was preceded in death by her parents, son Mark Podlenski, her sisters Judith Luke and Susan Johnson, and her former husband and father of her children, Frederick Podlenski.

Cremation rites have been accorded and Gail will be laid to rest at the Melrose Cemetery in Brockton, Massachusetts.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Gail’s memorial page online through social media.

Cremation services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815/476-2181)