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Gail Y. Konopik
04/26/1953 — 05/22/2026
Gail Y. Konopik
Our beloved Gail Yvonne Konopik passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026, following a courageous battle with brain cancer. She was with her cherished sister Gina, several of her great loves, also her home, and her art.
Gail was born on April 26, 1953, to Kay and Fred Brauer. She was their first baby and totally adored and loved from birth until their passing. Gail retired from the Richland School District after 30 years of teaching kindergarten through second grade. She thought of each classroom as a family and her passion was to help her students discover the joy of learning and reach their potential. After retirement Gail enjoyed big adventures, quiet nights at home and everything in between. She was a voracious reader. Gail’s love of reading began early with the Nancy Drew series and she never slowed down. The Richland Public library was Gail’s oasis.
Gail was a faithful friend. She treasured her friends, many of whom were lifelong. Gail was also a multi-talented artist. She took tremendous pride in her home and yard creating masterpieces both indoors and out. They were an expression of Gail’s love for beauty, style and color.
Gail lived her life authentically and with kindness. She will be remembered by those who knew her as a gentle soul who loved to talk about nearly anything, sharing stories, memories and giving praise to the many people in her life who she held dearly. Gail will be terribly missed and we are thankful for her life, the memories and the love.
Special thanks to Gail’s close friends who helped during her illness: Mary Beth, Maggie, Julie, Jeanne, Debra, Mary, Alan, Paul and also Heartlinks Hospice.
Gail was a loving, caring, devoted daughter, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her sister Gina Begalka (Brad), nieces Margi McDevitt (Travis), Teresa Mendoza (Carlos), nephew Thomas Begalka (Lexi) and her great nieces/nephews Lewis, Rosie, Leo, Felix, Joan, Lila, Ophelia, and Stella. She is also survived by brother, Greg Brauer.
Gail was preceded in death by her precious parents, Kay and Fred Brauer and great niece, Sylvia.
We love you Gail and will miss you forever.
I taught with Gail many years ago at Marcus Whitman Elementary. I can still hear her laugh and picture her telling me the latest gossip with a knowing look in her eyes.
She adored her family and spoke often about Gina, Brad, Margie, Tommy and Theresa.
I am sorry to hear of her passing.
We will miss updates from Gail and catching up with her when we would see her in the community. We enjoyed our association with Gail as fellow teachers in the Richland school district. One of the last times with Gail was when Burt and her parents were at Richland rehab. Gail was a fun upbeat person to be around. Condolences are extended to her family, particularly Gina and Brad.
Joann and Melinda Johnson
Ms. Konopik was one of my most favorite and treasured teachers growing up (2001/2002). The love she had for each of her students and the tenacity she had will always be remembered. Because of her class, I have my lifelong best friend. She will truly, truly, be missed.
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Gail Y. Konopik