Submit a PhotoWith deep love and sadness, after a long battle with her health, Gail Ann Sand (Johnson) passed away on Tuesday, September 11th, 2025 at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center in Gilbert, AZ. Gail was born in Manchester, NH on August 24th, 1954.
Gail graduated from Manchester West High School, class of 1973. Soon after she became a mother to her first-born daughter, Heather, and soon to follow her second daughter, Kristy.
While being a Type 1 diabetic was a constant challenge, Gail always had a positive outlook and found enjoyment in the simplicities of life. She never let her illness stop her from pursuing her dreams, being happy and fulfilled.
With bravery, and full of promise, at age 38, Gail and her young son, Billy, traveled across the country with family friends Doug and Julie Brochu, to settle in Mesa, AZ. There, she met the love of her life, Kevin, who often said Gail was his “Rock”, the steady presence who grounded him. She was also blessed with more love with a stepdaughter, Ami.
Together, Gail and Kevin built their forever home in Gilbert, AZ, where they gained lifelong friends and chosen family in neighbors Kathy and Bob Weil. Gail’s passion for animals was clear in the care she gave her horses and many cats over the years.
In retirement, Gail delighted in visits with her children and grandchildren, always encouraging them to be their best. Throughout Gail’s life, the ocean became a place of fun, peace, and reflection. This continued into retirement with annual vacations to Mission Beach, CA, while also cherishing fond memories of Hampton Beach, NH.
Gail’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and countless lives she touched. Those who knew Gail will remember her courage, warmth, laughter, and unwavering strength. Her spirit lives on in the family she loved so deeply.
Preceded in death by her parents Robert Johnson, Rita Lafond (Duperron) and Al Lafond; Brother: Danny Johnson. Gail is survived by her husband and soulmate, Kevin Sand; Children: Heather Godinez (Fisher) and son-in-law Miguel Godinez, Kristy Fisher, William (Billy) Keach, and Ami Sand; Grandchildren: Natalia Godinez, Sammy Godinez, Skyler Tillery and Brooke Keach; Great-grandchildren: Julien Quijas and Jordan Quijas; Bother: Marc Lafond; Niece: Heidi Emrich (Johnson); and many other special extended family members, cousins and childhood friends that she loved dearly.
In summer of 2026, an intimate celebration with close family and friends will be held in Mission Beach, CA and Hampton Beach, NH. Details will be announced via Facebook early next year.
Please donate in memory of Gail to one of her medical challenges and passions:
FUCH’S Disease:
https:/www.cornealdystrophyfoundation.org/
Print Obituary
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your Mom!
A beautiful woman with a kind heart ❤️
Gail and I were friends for many years and she always made me laugh. We met when we worked together and stayed friends after she left that job. It was such an honor to know Gail and I’ll cherish the many memories I have of her! GOD BLESS and RIP my dear friend.
Gail was a remarkable person and a good grandma to Brooke. Prayers for all and may God be with you.
Kevin, Heather, Christy, and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your Mom and I had a lifelong friendship, and she will always have a special place in my heart. I will always cherish the wonderful memories I have of our times spent together, having so much fun in our childhood and growing up together beginning in the 4th grade and going all through high school together. Although there was distance between us later on, we kept in touch, still sharing what was happening with our lives and families. She was a wonderful friend, I loved her, and I will miss her dearly. Rest now, my BFAAF.