Gail Martin Hoban was born on Friday January 23, 1948 to Mildred (Burgess) Martin and Robert L. Martin in Chicago, Illinois. Sadly Mildred passed only a few years later. Gail was blessed to be raised by her father and step-mother, Virginia (Lange) Martin. After graduating from high school in Arlington Heights, Gail went to college at Purdue University for a couple years before transferring to USC, graduating with a degree in English. Gail had three wonderful children. Robert Hoban, Jr (Bert) in 1977, Catherine (Hoban) Pottroff in 1978, and Thomas Hoban in 1982. While raising her three children, she went back to school and obtained her Masters in English from Northwestern University. She went on to be a Professor at Harper College for many years. Gail spent her retirement loving being a Grandmother to Thomas Pottroff, Maggie Pottroff, Nelle Hoban, and Maria Hoban. Her grandchildren were the shining light in her eyes and brought her much joy. In 2018, Gail moved to St. Louis to be near her daughter. As her health began to fail, she moved in with Katie, and passed away on Sunday April 11, 2021.

Gail had passions for reading, PBS and BBC shows, all things England, listening to NPR, seeing plays and movies, discussing current events, her beloved cats, and all things concerning her grandchildren.

Gail was greeted in heaven by her Mother, Father, Step-mother, and son, Bert. She is survived by her daughter, Katie (Chris) Pottroff, Tom (Ana) Hoban, sister, Nancy Martin, grandchildren, and many, many friends and loved ones.

In her final act of generosity, Gail donated her body to Washington University Medical School in St. Louis, MO. She was very excited about her “next adventure”.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday October 23, 2021 at the Davenport Funeral Home in Barrington, Illinois.