Gail E. Coshun

LATHAM-Gail Elizabeth Coshun, born March 6, 1956, went home to be with her Lord after her 22 month brave battle with ovarian cancer (also known as "The Silent Killer") on Sunday, August 7, 2016 at age 60 after 23 years of dedication as a professional and deeply caring Registered Nurse.

Gail was the beloved wife of James L. Coshun Jr., her childhood sweetheart, the man she loved from the beginning of time, for 44 years. Gail is also survived by her beloved "Teal Warrior" daughter, Jennifer (Kelly) Herbs, daughter Nicole Coshun (Steve Tallmadge). Nothing meant more to Gail than her three grandsons, Mitchell Doyle, Zachary Herbs and Miles Doyle as well as her new great-granddaughter, Tessa Renee. She's also survived by her "Sisters", Nancy Grace, Loral (John) Hull, Lynne Coshun, Patty Farrell, Debbie Coshun, and June Schuer, as well as her "Brothers", Myke Coshun, Bob Grace, and Mario Rizzo. Gail is also the crazy aunt to many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, John G. and Kathryn E. Sears, and her brother, Johnny Sears.

Gail's one wish was that her death have some meaning and that her story will help save other women from this insidious disease. Gail and her daughter, Jennifer, worked tirelessly to educate and empower women and to give them the courage to advocate for themselves. Gail's cancer was not caused by smoking, any unhealthy lifestyle choices, and she did not carry a defective gene. When she asked "What caused this cancer then?", her world renowned physicians told her, "We honestly have no idea." This is a testament to the fact that there is still so much more to learn about cancer if we are ever to make a difference and find a cure. Gail's personal message to all women is "Know the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer, know your own bodies, do not disregard vague symptoms, be assertive, advocate for yourselves and, above all, be fearless!"

Gail will be remembered for her strong faith, and her love for her church, Newtonville United Methodist, Latham, NY, and especially grateful to Pastor Steve and Heather Smith.

Calling hours for friends and all those who loved and were inspired by her will be held on Sunday, August 14, 2016 from 2 PM to 4 PM at Newcomer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Albany, NY.

To honor Gail and her family in the highest, please respect her direct request that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to support Dana-Farber via The Jimmy Fund's Teal Tough Teal Strong efforts where all monies directly support further advancements in ovarian cancer research, new treatment options including clinical trials, education, and family support services for cancer patients. Gail would say, "I am not really a flower girl. Instead I am a power girl. Please show power and strength by spreading the word of ovarian cancer awareness to all those you love." Donations may be made online at www.myjimmyfundpage.org/give/tealtoughtealstrong, or by check via mail and made payable to Dana Farber Cancer Institute and The Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA, 02445. Please reference "Teal Tough Teal Strong" on the memo line.