Gail Ann Bartlett

 Gail Ann Bartlett Traviolia (Lancaster)

April 18, 1946- December 10, 2020

Gail Ann Bartlett left us on December 10, 2020. She was born April 18th, 1946 to the late Irving G. and Ruth E. Bartlett and was raised in Romney and West Lafayette, Indiana. Following graduation from West Lafayette High School in '64, she attended Ball State University.

From 1965 to 1990, she was married to Charles L. Traviolia and they had a son, Bart, who was the light and pride of her life.

Gail was passionate about life and a consummate host of gatherings, celebrations, and holidays. Whether tubing on the Tippecanoe River, enjoying a backyard camp fire, skiing in the mountains of Colorado or sailing in the Caribbean, Gail was always the catalyst and maestro for good times and memories. Her wit and humor was only matched by the capacity of her love, with which she was very generous_ She served as a second mother and counselor to many and excelled in that role. Gail had the aptitude to engage in the most profound and intellectual conversations or make a sailor blush, if she chose. She had an amazing presence and was a naturally gifted conversationalist and story teller. It was impossible to not enjoy and benefit from her company and the sunshine and comfort she created.

In addition to the people in her life, Gail loved animals, had a deep respect and appreciation of nature, and was fascinated with the history and mysteries of our world and universe. She loved classical music and the great music of the 60's and 70's, as well as cinema.

Gail was very proud of her family and its history in the formation of the United States and a deeply patriotic American and supporter of military veterans. She was a fiercely loyal friend and devoted to her family as a daughter, sister, cousin, niece, wife, mother and aunt. More often than not, she was the glue that bound us together, the wind needed in a doldrum, and the port of refuge in a storm.

Throughout her life she was involved in many organizations, clubs, charities and fundraisers among them Tri Kappa, the Lafayette Ski Club, Special Olympics, Navy Club and the American Legion. She greatly enjoyed attending the Lafayette Symphony and other local concerts and festivals.

Her family and friends will never forget her and her passing leaves a void that can never be filled. She now lives in our hearts and many of our fondest and most cherished memories. We are richer and deeply grateful for her life and the love she shared with us.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert and Richard, nephew Cpl. Brady Bartlett-USMC and cousin Fred Geisler. She is survived by her husband, Don Lancaster, her son C. Bart Traviolia (Terra) of Dunedin, Florida" sisters Mary Conlin and family of Tallahassee, Florida, Karen Bartlett of Lafayette, Indiana, brother Joseph "Del" Bartlett (Carla) of West Lafayette, Indiana" nephews J. Colby Bartlett (grand-nephew Keaton) of West Lafayette, Indiana, Joe Bartlett (Amy) and family of Lafayette. Indiana, cousins Mike Geisler and family, Marti (Merrill) Freeman and family, sister-in-law Linda (Dr. Rich) Bloch, step-sons, Darrin Lancaster of Orange City, Florida, David Lancaster of Lafayette, Indiana, and Derek Lancaster of Lima, Ohio, and her many friends that she also considered her family. Shortly before her death, she married her partner and companion of many years, Don Lancaster of Lafayette, who loved her deeply. Gail loved walking the beaches in Florida with Don, golfing, traveling and entertaining together as well as just being together wherever they were.

The family will be holding a celebration of life event in the Spring or Summer, once gatherings are advisable.

Donations may be made in Gail's memory to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society nmcrs.org or Natalie's Second Chance No Kill Dog Shelter nataliessecondchance.orq.