Durfee, Gail, (Chapman), 72, of Riverside, died peacefully on August 21, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of the late Edward M. Durfee.

Born in Providence, a daughter of the late Eugene and Rosetta (Mackenzie) Chapman, she was a lifelong resident of East Providence.

In addition to being a loving and caring mother, Gail’s pride and joy was by far spending time with her six grandchildren and her beloved grand-dog, Brady. She spoiled them whenever she had the chance and they were happy to be doted on. She cherished her brother ‘Chappy’ (Colin), her sisters in law Beth, Susan and of course Linda, her best friend and side kick for over fifty five years. Gail also has several nieces and nephews, along with an extended family, whom she loved very much.

In addition to her family, Gail will be sadly missed by her closest friends and the many others whose lives she touched over the years. She was extremely involved with her community and at one point she ran for the East Providence City Council. However, Gail will always be remembered as the ‘Carousel Lady’, the founding member and President of Save Our Carousel Inc. Leading the group who became infamously known as the Carousel FIve, Gail was instrumental in preserving and restoring the historic Crescent Park (Charles I.D. Loof) Carousel.

She is survived by three sons; John E. ‘Jed’ Durfee and his companion Heidi Hagman of Rehoboth, MA, Steven E. Durfee and his wife CoriLynn of Riverside and David E. Durfee and his wife Marietta of Orange, CA, a daughter; Karen E. Bodell and her husband Michael of Riverside, a brother; Colin Chapman of Riverside and six grandchildren; Jason, Kaitlin, Madison, Jordan, Danielle and Daniel.

Her funeral will be held on Monday August 26, 2013 from the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside at 8:45 am with a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 am. Burial will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

Calling hours are Sunday 3-7 pm. Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Gail’s memory to The Crescent Park Carousel Preservation Association, 145 Taunton Avenue, East Providence, RI, 02914 would be deeply appreciated.