Gale Ann Auer

On Monday, July 6th, 2026, Gale Ann Auer passed away peacefully at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, faith, and extraordinary service to others. While her family mourns the loss of a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, they also celebrate a life that quietly changed countless others. Born to Willard (Bud) and Carol Fisher on May 1st, 1948, Gale was known for her generous heart and her ability to comfort those in need. Throughout her life, she devoted countless hours to serving others, believing that even the smallest act of kindness could change someone's life. She volunteered for more than eight years as a telephone crisis counselor with the Tidewater Area, dedicating many hours each month to helping people facing emotional and mental health crises. Her compassionate voice reached individuals through numerous community crisis lines serving Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and surrounding communities. Her volunteer work also included supporting the Virginia Beach Child Protective Services, the United Way Teen Line, probation and parole services, the National Suicide Crisis Line, the Tidewater Suicide Crisis Line, substance abuse help lines, and community assistance lines providing resources for shelter, food, and emergency support. Gale was passionate about mentoring others in this work. She spent five years training and supervising new crisis counselors, helping prepare countless volunteers to answer the difficult calls that could save lives. Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Gale volunteered with The Salvation Army at Ground Zero in New York City, spending time providing emotional support to volunteers working alongside the New York Medical Examiner's Office. Her calm presence and compassionate spirit brought comfort during one of our nation's darkest times. Her faith was the foundation of everything she did. As a devoted member of Providence Methodist Church, Gale served as a Lay Shepherd and helped establish and train volunteers for the church's Samaritan ministry. She believed faith was something to be lived through kindness, generosity, and caring for others, especially those who felt forgotten. Above all else, Gale treasured her family and friends. She found joy in caring for others, offering wisdom, listening, and always making time for those who needed her. Her legacy is one of selfless love, quiet strength, and unwavering compassion. She never met a stranger and could strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Her warm smile, infectious laugh, and genuine interest in others made everyone feel welcome. Whether catching up with an old friend or meeting someone for the first time, Gale had a gift for making people feel seen and valued. Her grandchildren knew her as "Nanny," a name she treasured above all others. Being a grandmother brought her immense joy, and some of her happiest moments were spent surrounded by the family she loved so deeply. Gale was a hardworking, resilient woman whose strength and determination inspired everyone around her. If she set her mind to something, there was very little she couldn't accomplish. She faced life's challenges with courage, perseverance, and grace, never backing down from hard work or difficult circumstances. Gale was preceded in death by her parents, Willard (Bud) and Carol Fisher, and her brothers, Scott and Jon Fisher. Gale is lovingly survived by her children: Jeff Auer and his wife, Jen; Jennifer Oseth and her husband, Jeff; Joe Auer and his wife, Amy; Cindy Oman and her husband, Dan; and Tanya Stenstrom and her husband, Scott and her sister, Jan Fisher. She truly cherished her grandchildren, Blake, Tiffany, Marissa, Owen, Roxy, Karly, J.R., Cody, Samantha, Nick, Elizabeth, and India and many treasured great-grandchildren and dear friends. A memorial service will be held at Providence United Methodist Church at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 5th. Providence United Methodist Church 4001 New Kent Hwy, Quinton, VA 23141 In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Tidewater Suicide Crisis Line, The Salvation Army, or National Suicide Crisis Line, honoring Gale's lifelong commitment to helping others. Gale's kindness, empathy, and servant heart leave an enduring legacy. No matter the time or situation, she was there when you needed her most. Though she will be deeply missed, the compassion she shared with so many will continue to live on in the lives she touched.

Gale Ann Auer

May 1, 1948 - July 6, 2026