Gail T. Derkach (Steffens) of Ogdensburg, N.J., passed away at Newton Memorial Hospital on Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020, after a short illness. She was 75.
She was born to Doris and Joseph Steffens on July 25, 1945, in Jersey City, N.J. She resided in Ogdensburg for the past 47 years.
Foremost Gail was a dedicated homemaker. She was the rock and foundation her family was built upon. Her greatest joys were her marriage, raising her children, and being a grandmother. Her family was precious to her. Gail was also a registered nurse, exempt member of the Ogdensburg First Aid Squad, and member of the Ogdensburg Historical Society. Gail led an active life, joining her husband, Dion, in so many memorable adventures. Hobbies they enjoyed together include travel, camping, kayaking, sailing, and playing pickleball with friends at the YMCA. Always close to her was her pal Scooter, the family dog.
Gail was pre-deceased by her parents; stepfather, Harry Burns; and daughter, Tammy Ciolfi.
She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Dion; daughter Sue Ann of Freehold, N.J.; son, Scott of Virginia Beach, Va.; grandsons, Davis Derkach of Chattanooga, Tenn., Wyatt Derkach and his wife, Trinity, of Tryon, N.C., and Jack Derkach of Tryon, N.C.; son-in-law, Tony Ciolfi; and grandson Ryan Ciolfi of Hampton, N.H.; sisters, Sandy Wormann and her husband, Walter, of Byram, N.J., Caroline Shann and Kathleen Burns of Sebring, Fla.; and brother, Harry Burns and his wife, Fran, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. She was also loved by many nephews, nieces, cousins, and dear friends.
Funeral services are being provided by F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main St., Franklin, N.J. Visitation will be held 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 28. A funeral mass will be held at St. Thomas of Aquin Roman Catholic Church, 53 Kennedy Avenue, Ogdensburg, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29, followed by burial in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the college savings fund of Gail’s grandson, Ryan. Donations can be made to “Ryan Ciolfi 529 Plan” and sent c/o his father Tony Ciolfi at 33 Morningside Drive, Hampton, NH 03842.