Gail Randolph

Born in White Plains, New York, Gail Randolph moved to Southern California in 1944 when her father was drafted into WWII. In 1960, she attended Citrus Junior College and earned an Associate of Arts degree.

She later attended San Jose State University, receiving her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Arts Education and a Lifetime Teaching Credential.

Gail taught in the Alum Rock and Cupertino Union School Districts where she thrived
personally and professionally. She followed her interest to work with those who faced
challenges, motivating them toward greater achievement and finding their personal
expression in the world. In 1993, she earned a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. She became interested in communication skills, problem
solving, and conflict resolution, which were always a part of her curriculum. For nearly a
decade, she worked with gifted and talented junior high school students.

As an advocate of peace, Gail spoke and acted for peace throughout her adult years. She was a member of a Peace Circle that met monthly for more than twenty five years. She volunteered at Loaves and Fishes Family Kitchen, collected local California art, and hiked in the Northern California redwoods. Loving children and her many friends came easily. She parented her foster son Christian Talli who was one of the greatest joys of her life.

She spoke of the benefits that education brought to her by saying: “Having a college education is the singular thing to which I can attribute my success and well-being. Because of my education, I have the friends that I have, own my home, have health insurance, have the means to travel, and live with good health and ease.”