Gail J. Shipp, age 82, of Stratford, passed away suddenly in her home on June 1, 2023. Gail was born in Port Chester, New York on June 4, 1940, to the late Donald and Veronica Kochiss Shipp and had been a longtime area resident.

She was a graduate of Stratford High School, class of 1958 and earned her bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut State College, where she played basketball. Gail earned her master's degree in education from the University of Bridgeport in 1965 and went on to become a teacher at Trumbull High School for over 22 years, known as "Miss Shipp". Coaching Girls Basketball, Softball, and Field Hockey, she led the Girls Basketball Team to the school's very first championship win in 1974. With so many achievements in her coaching career, her accolades include Connecticut High School Coach of the year 1981-82. In1987 she was honored as one of the woman's all time assistant coaches in USA basketball history, for her 3-1 record at the US Olympic Fest winning a gold medal. Induction to the Connecticut Woman's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1992, and in 2000, she was inducted into the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference Hall of Fame.

Gail was best known for her funny sense of humor and tenacity. She enjoyed traveling to warm destinations in the islands, sitting by the pool, casinos, the sea wall in Lordship soaking up the sun and enjoying conversation with friends. She loved spending time with her beloved dog, Bentley who will be living out his best life with family. A special thank you to Carmella, Roz, and Thou Vo for giving compassion and friendship to Gail and Bentley over the past 25 years. She will be loved and missed by all who know her. "Toodaloo" until we meet again.

Survivors include her stepsister; Joann Farrell, Goddaughter, Annette Gianatasio, nieces and nephews, Christine Dale (Tom and Tommy Jr.), Susan Mark (Emil), Mark Farrell, Cindy Mirmina (David), Jill Wede (Scott), Mark and Jeff Moyher, cousins, Michael J. Astram (Karen), Thomas W. Astram (Dawn), Susan Ormrod (James), Linda M. Riddle (David), and William J. Astram III. In addition to her parents, Gail was pre-deceased by her stepfather, Francis Orzechowski, and stepsister, Barbara Gianatasio and her husband John, and her best friend, Gail Kurimsky.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. meeting directly at St. James Church 2070 Main Street Stratford. Inurnment will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Stratford.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make a donation in memory of Gail to Swim Across the Sound c/o St. Vincent's MC 2800 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06606.