Gail Marie (Trottier) Poland

Gail Marie Poland, 80, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away on February 2, 2026, peacefully at her residence.

She was born on April 15, 1945, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Robert James and Elizabeth Marie (Marcoe) Trottier.  

Gail graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1963. She worked at South School as a Teacher’s Assistant for many years until retirement. She was always very active in the American Legion Auxiliary preparing dinners and staying involved helping with the Memorial Day Ceremony and laying wreaths for the Veterans. Being a lifetime member, she took on many roles.  She was also a member of the Mt. Carmel Elks #715 and the Eagles. Gail was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

She is survived by her daughter Gina (Roddy) Clark of Worden, Illinois and son Greg (Heidi) Poland of Cypress, Illinois. She is also survived by her sisters; Sandra (Jack) Emmons of Mt. Carmel, Illinois, Mary Simmons of Evansville, Indiana, Kerry McAlister (Don Dunkel) of Princeton, Indiana and brother Jim (Nancy) Trottier of Mt. Carmel, Illinois and grandchildren, Mason Poland and Jolinda (Lucas) Wiseman and great-grandson, Owen Wiseman and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friend, Bob Crow.

Preceded in death by her parents, brother, Joe Trottier, sister, Debbie Duffey, infant brother, Robert James Trottier, Jr. and infant sister, Elizabeth Trottier, brother-in-law's, Hughes Simmons and Randy McAlister.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mt. Carmel.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 27, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church. 

 Family burial will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions for Gail Poland can be made to the American Legion Auxiliary. Envelopes will be available at Short-Cunningham Funeral Home and St. Mary's.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Poland family.

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