Gail D. (Girouard) DaFonte, 69, of New Bedford peacefully passed away on Friday July 5, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Gail chose a nursing career to provide care and support to those in need. She attended Diman Regional School of Practical Nursing, where she obtained her LPN diploma, and went on to Bristol Community College, where she earned her RN license. Through her work as a nurse, Gail lived by her value of caring for others. Her compassion extended to her love of animals, and she used her photography to capture the beauty of animal companions, horse shows, birds, and all of nature. She was married to the love of her life, John Garcia DaFonte, for over 50 years. Gail was, above all else, full of endless love and selfless devotion to her husband, four children, and grandchildren.

Born and raised in New Bedford, MA, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Gerard Conrad Girouard and Delores (Ferreira) Girouard, and sister of the late Gary Girouard. She is survived by her husband John, her children Jason, Jennifer, Justin, and Jonathan, her three grandchildren Lily, Noah, and Elle, and her brother Joseph Peter Girouard.

Her visitation will be held on Wednesday July 10th from 8:30-9:30 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St. New Bedford, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10 AM at St. Gabriel the Archangel Parish, 343 Tarkiln Hill Rd., New Bedford.  Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Donations in her memory can be sent to https://bestfriends.org. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.