Birth date: Feb 17, 1951 Death date: Feb 14, 2026
Gail Rothwell, 74, of New York, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of elegance, compassion, and quiet strength. Gail lived an adventurous life filled with creativity, love, and unwavering determin Read Obituary
We are beyond saddened to hear of Gail's passing. Gail and Betty were an integral part of 440 Washington, always showing warmth and kindness to our family. Our condolences to Gail's loved ones, and to Betty her most loyal companion, she will be missed.
Alex, Max, Charlie & Brody, 1001
I met Gail when I managed The Retreat Boutique Thrift Store. I was intimidated at first by Gail's elegance and sophistication as President of the Board of Directors for The Retreat. But Gail was that rare person, who made you feel like she appreciated the hidden gem within everyone. She was unlike anyone I had ever known--so sophisticated and elegant, and yet down to earth. She had the most beautiful turquoise eyes and radiant smile. Gail was a champion of many causes and many people. . I knew her well. I will miss her incredible style, her wit, her laugh, her love for her dogs, her resilience and wisdom.
Gail, thank you for being such a good friend, and such a magnificent woman.
Gail was easily the chicest of our neighbors at 440 Washington. I’ll always picture her in her signature Bottega sunglasses, heading out on one of her many walks with Betty, effortlessly stylish, even on an ordinary afternoon
I’ll never forget one of our first real interactions. We had passed each other plenty of times with polite smiles, but one day we stopped and actually spoke. I don’t remember exactly what led me to say it, but I found myself confessing, “I don’t know… I guess some people might not like me sometimes.”
She looked at me - sincerely, warmly - and said, “Well, I like you.”
I was completely caught off guard in the most loving way. It was such a simple comment, but it stayed with me. After that, I made sure we exchanged more than just a smile whenever we saw each other. Gail was that kind of person - effortlessly kind, quietly affirming.
She made 440 feel even more like home.
This is Gail preparing Easter brunch at the shelter with Betty, Julia and me. She made perfect banana splits as well as pancakes and more! Perfectionist!
Loretta
I met Gail when I moved back to east Hampton and she owned her designer store. I quickly learned that Gail had also gone to my college LIM because I remembered that she had spoken at my graduation about all of her achievements in working in fashion / Nine West. I said I have to go speak to Gail and get her advice!
Gail hired me at a hard time in my life making the change from living in manhattan to moving back to EH to start a new life where I grew up. She took me under her wing and she quickly became my “mentor”. I helped her run the store and also assisted with buying the designer collections . We would have the best time visiting Manhattan for our buying trips and trunk shows. She was my work “mom” and really took care of me . I like to think we took care of each other during the 6 years I worked for her. The many chats and downtime we would spend at the store made us really get to know each other and I was so happy to have her in my life during such an important time of getting married and having my first baby.
Gail was so giving, thoughtful and fun it was always so easy to be around her. She was such a beautiful, selfless person.
Selfless would be the word to describe Gail. All
Of her friends and family were so lucky to have her in her life, including me.
Although I didn’t spend as much time with Gail in her later life she was always in my thoughts. The fact that she is no longer here brings me much sadness. She is now another angel looking over us and that does bring some ease. I love you Gail, thank you for all you did for me. I will miss you so much.
Love ,
Kate Wirth
In Loving Memory of Gail Rothwell,
A dear friend from the L&F days who became a North Star in my life. Gail taught me that the best advice is often shared over a quiet meal with friends. She pushed me to reach for my Master’s and gave me the courage to reinvent my world. Gail, I hope you can see these accomplishments from wherever you are—I wouldn't be standing here without your push and love. My final chapter - Fotini
