Gail Lynda Oleari, 80, of Wheaton, went to heaven Saturday, July 23rd, 2022 in her home at Covenant Living Windsor Park Manor. She was born January 6, 1942 in Chicago, IL at Lutheran Hospital to Stanley and Lillian (Johnson) Berntson.

Gail Oleari, also known as; Mom, Grandma, Grandma Oleari, Nama, Mother "O" and Graham Cracker, spent much of her childhood summers at Lake Geneva boating, skiing, and in nature. She loved singing and had an incredibly beautiful voice. She loved flowers and had a passion and gift for gardening. With her caring heart, she took care of flowers, nature, pets, and loved ones with a positive, dedicated, and nurturing presence. Above all else, Gail cherished her relationship with God.  She loved spending her time reading His Word, growing in her faith with her small group, singing hymns whenever possible, and was a faithful prayer warrior for all of her life.

She graduated from Wheaton College and was dedicated to her Alma Mater and served as the first female president of the Alumni Association.  Gail resided in Wheaton as she married her best friend, Valdo Peter Oleari, and raised their five children together. Gail loved spending summers with her family in Sawyer, Michigan; spring breaks in Sanibel Island, Florida; and her winters with friends in Boca Raton. She loved walking the beach year-round, soaking in the beautiful sunsets, and creating memories with her family and friends with fun in the sun.

After raising her five children, Gail earned her Masters in Social Work from Aurora University.   She then practiced as a licensed therapist, training and supervising future therapists at Outreach Community Center in Warrenville.  Gail surprised herself as she also took on the role as a crisis worker with the Warrenville Police Department - a role she loved and thrived in. Gail loved her time listening to others and providing hope, clarity, and joy for many - whether through work, friendship, family, or "therapy" walks on the beach with those in need.

After the loss of her husband, Valdo Peter, Gail spent her remaining years traveling, laughing, and spending time with her family, friends, and grandchildren. Gail thoroughly enjoyed her last year of life spent in the company of her Wheaton community and Windsor friends as a social butterfly, caring friend, and as one who could bring laughter to any room.

Gail is survived by her five children, Heidi (Kenneth) Ward, Valdo Peter II "Joshua" (Susan) Oleari, Ben (Jill) Oleari, Heather, and Ariel (Peter) Juberg; her grandchildren Josh, Justin, & Tierney (Heidi & Ken) Ward; Samantha, Nathan, & Katherine (Josh & Sue) Oleari; Giuliana, Owen, & Lucy (Ariel & Peter) Juberg; Jonah (Heather) Oleari; Elle & Hunter (Ben & Jill) Oleari.

She was preceded in death by her husband,  Dr. Valdo Peter "Ole" Oleari; and her brother Grant Berntson.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, August 6, from 2:00 until 3:30 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, where a Celebration of her Life will follow at 3:30 p.m. Guests may view a livestream of the service by clicking on the following link: Service for Gail Oleari

In lieu of memorial gifts, flowers, or donations, we ask that you take a moment to hug, call, and share your love with your parents, grandparents, siblings, and family. Please reach out to someone who may not have family walking alongside them and remind them they are not alone.

Family and friends may sign a guestbook at hultgrenfh.com. For more information, please call Hultgren Funeral Home at 630-668-0027.