Obituary of Gail Perrin

Gail Perrin PEABODY—Gail Perrin, 75, died peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday September 9, 2014 following a formidable challenge living with ALS. Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Hugh and Helen F. (Baxter) Perrin. She grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and lived for many years in Weston before moving to Brooksby Village in Peabody. Ms. Perrin graduated from the National Cathedral School in Washington, D.C. and from Wellesley College. She began her newspaper career during her college years, working as a copy girl during summer vacation months at the Washington Daily News and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser in Hawaii. Following her college graduation she began full time employment with the Washington Daily News, assigned to the City Desk. In this capacity she covered a wide variety of stories from crime stories to glittering Washington social events. She also contributed regularly to what was referred to as “the women’s pages,” where her talent reporting on the food industry was noted. In the mid 60’s she was recruited by the Boston Globe to head the women’s pages. Her interest in the food industry resulted in her pursuing unusual stories by participating – going on a fishing boat out of Chatham at 4 AM , harvesting corn at a farm in the Berkshires. With her readers she shared her favorite recipes and stories of friendship with notable Boston chefs and TV personalities, including Franco Romagnoli and Julia Child. Her lobster dinners were legendary. She served as the editor of “Confidential Chat,” a readership recipe swap column, and oversaw the publication of The Boston Globe Cookbook in 1981. In the 1970’s she was named Food Editor, a position she held until her retirement. An enthusiastic bridge player, she pursued that interest actively in her retirement years, along with extensive travel adventures as varied as the Greek Isles and the Antarctic. She is survived by two brothers, Dr. Mark Perrin of Newton, NJ and James Perrin of Brunswick, ME; three nephews, Thomas Perrin of Amston, CT, Christopher Perrin of Stillwater, NJ, and Nicholas Perrin of Wheaton, IL. She also shared several wonderful friendships both personally and professionally, and will be dearly missed by those who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday October 11, 2014 at Brooksby Village, Peabody. Those who wish may make a donation to the ALS Association, 320 Norwood Park S., Norwood, MA 02062 or to the Wellesley College Student Aid Society, Inc., 106 Central St., Wellesley, MA 02481.