Gail Sitzman Westhoven

Gail Sitzman Westhoven, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully of natural causes on August 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on November 30, 1940, in Indianapolis, IN, Gail was the beloved daughter of Joseph and Hildreth Sitzman. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Skip, but leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness that touched all who knew her. Gail was a devoted wife to Edward Westhoven, with whom she shared 63 wonderful years of marriage. Their love story began on May 3, 1963, and together they built a life filled with laughter, love, and devotion in the Shark River Hills area of Neptune, NJ. In her community, Gail was a pillar of support, always ready with a casserole or a comforting word for neighbors in need. A proud alumna of St. Mary of the Woods, Gail graduated with a degree in journalism, a field that allowed her to express her keen intellect and passion for storytelling. She shared her talents as a writer for local real estate news and served as the class secretary for The Woods newsletter for decades, leaving an indelible mark on her community. Gail's generosity and dedication extended to her volunteer work as the "milk lady" at St. Rose for 32 years, a role she cherished as it allowed her to interact with the children she so adored. She was also a devoted member of her church, supplying altar servers for decades and contributing to the vibrant spiritual life of her community. An artist at heart, Gail was an avid quilter, crafting everything from intricate placemats to full-sized bed blankets, each piece a testament to her skill and love. Her quilts, gifted to friends and family, are treasured keepsakes that embody her creative spirit and warmth. Gail's family was the center of her world, and her love for them was boundless. She is survived by her devoted husband, Edward; her sister Jane Clark and her husband Larry; her five sons, Tim (Venette), Mike (Bridget), Steve (Monica), Pat (Kathy), and Andy (Peg); and her daughter Eileen Grodeska. Gail's legacy continues through her 19 grandchildren—Stephanie, Patrick, Paul, Meagan, Kate, Nicholas, Joanna, Luke, Faith, Matthew, Alex, Maeve, Avery, Colin, Molly, Kayla, Drew, Sean, and Ella—and her six great-grandchildren, who will carry forward her love and values. Gail's quick wit, warm smile, and helping hands endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a master organizer, delighting in hosting grand Sunday morning feasts for her family and friends, a testament to her love for bringing people together. In memory of Gail Sitzman Westhoven, the family kindly suggests donations be made to a charity of your choice, honoring her generous spirit and commitment to helping others. Her life was a beautiful tapestry of love, creativity, and service, and she will be dearly missed by all who were touched by her remarkable presence.