Gail Vadala Obituary

Vadala
Gail Ann
(Deitrick) Vadala
July 20, 1935
January 14, 2026

Gail Ann Vadala, 90, of Colorado Springs, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 20, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, to Dee and Evelyn Deitrick. Gail began her college studies at Beloit College and earned her degree in education from Miami University in Ohio.

For the first two years of her teaching career Gail taught 1st grade in Antioch, IL. She then ventured to Venezuela to continue teaching, and where she ultimately met her future husband, Dante Vadala. The couple married on November 8, 1958, in Caracas, Venezuela, and later returned to the United States. They ended up in Cross Lanes, WV for 32 years, where they raised their three children. It was here where Gail stopped teaching and dedicated herself to raising their children. In 1999 Gail and Dante moved to Colorado Springs, CO.

Gail found great joy in family life and community. She loved spending time with friends at MacKenzie Place, playing Scrabble, stamping, making cards, volunteering, and baking her well-loved Christmas cookies.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dante, their son, Scott; and their son-in-law, Eddie Smith.

She is survived by her children, Terri Smith and Chris (Khristine); sister Sue Britts (Dan), four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

An open house / celebration of life will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, at MacKenzie Place, 1605 Elm Creek View, Colorado Springs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2845 Parliament Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (www.covenant-pres.com), or Thomas MacLaren School, 1702 North Murray Boulevard, Colorado Springs, CO 80915 (www.maclarenschool.org/giving ).