It is with great sadness to announce the passing of our beautiful mother, Gail Foster Rizzo, 79, of Manasquan, NJ, on May 17, 2022. She was born in Teaneck, NJ to Charles Osborne and Margaret Foster.

Gail is predeceased by her son, Michael Wood. She is survived by her husband, L. Donald Rizzo, her two daughters, Elizabeth Wood of Greenville, SC, and Stephanie Wood of Burnaby, BC, Canada, and her sister, Pamela Mahon.

Gail had a truly kind heart.

While she and her first husband, J.M. Wood, Jr., were raising three young kids together, she enrolled in college and graduated as a Registered Nurse, eventually becoming a particularly talented IV therapist.

She dedicated her life to service, always volunteering and selflessly helping others. From serving as a Girl Scout Leader to providing assistance above and beyond with her patients, to being a soccer coach and choir leader, Gail always put others’ needs before her own. She was deeply accepting of others.

Gail loved her church, Holy Trinity Lutheran in Manasquan. She was an active member and embraced the community, values and solace of her religion.

She also was a fierce sports competitor, and one of her favorite achievements was winning a sailing series at the Manasquan River Yacht Club. She enjoyed tennis, golf, bowling and anything where she had a chance to win.

Gail was an avid bicyclist and she loved to sing. She was in her church choir for decades, and auditioned and was chosen to perform with the Monmouth Civic Chorus, providing her the opportunity to sing locally, nationally, and globally.

She loved traveling, learning and she was a voracious reader.  She was a stellar knitter (!) and seamstress and she had a natural eye for beauty in all its forms. From landscaping to interior decorating, Gail knew how to make everything beautiful (including herself!).

Gail married her second husband, L. Don Rizzo, in 1988 and she loved sharing a home with him and entertaining on the riverfront in Brielle.

Both she and Don shared wonderful trips both locally and abroad. They enjoyed countless rounds of golf together and loved playing cards with friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation and funeral on Saturday, May 21, 2022. Visitation is from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm followed immediately with a funeral service. Both are at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 6 Osborn Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made in Gail’s name to the Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256.  Arrangements by O’Brien Funeral Home, Wall, to send condolences to the family please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com. May you rest in peace.