Gail deAnn Nesbit

Gail deAnn Nesbit, 78, of Portland, Oregon, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026. She was surrounded by family at the time of her passing. Born September 28,1947 in Portland, Oregon to Gail and Arvada Winward. She was the oldest of seven children and was the beloved big sister to her six siblings: Susan McDermott (passed 2012), Douglas Winward, Michael Winward, Mary Carpenter, Deborah Winward, and Catherine Winward.

deAnn attended St. Rita’s Catholic School and attended Catholic high school. She married Norman Nesbit in 1967 and moved to Southern California where she lived for several years. In the early 1970’s she returned to Portland to raise her two children around family. She is survived by her daughter Sharon Martin and son Kevin Nesbit, and six grandchildren.

deAnn was known for her love of family, spending time with her young grandkids, nieces and nephews. When a new baby was born into the family, deAnn was always ready to babysit and keep the kids entertained.

She loved the Oregon coast and spent as much time there as she could in the company of three childhood friends. For years, the “girls” would head to the coast for long weekends to enjoy good food, wine and try their luck in the casinos. She loved camping with family and every road trip with deAnn was always an adventure.

In early 2000’s while working at Precision Castparts Corp. in Portland, deAnn and her co-workers won the Oregon Lottery Jackpot. She was extremely excited to win and share the news with family and friends.

After deAnn retired (2016) she volunteered making rosaries for the church to be sent to other counties to help spread the word of the teachings of the Catholic Church. She also spent her time with family, playing cards, and loved watching movies and reading good books.

deAnn will be remembered for her sense of humor, laughter, warmth and generosity. She will remain a lasting comfort to her family, and everyone blessed to have known her. She will be greatly missed; she’ll always be in our hearts. God has taken her home; she is now free from illness and pain, she is whole again.

A Funeral Service/Celebration of life will be held:

March 5, at 11:00 at St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church 2310 SE 148th Ave, Portland, Oregon (tentative) with a reception following the service.

The family would like to profoundly thank the staff of Imani Home Care. Lilian and her staff of caregivers; Mary, Kingsley, Dorothy, and Maurice, all provided such wonderful care for deAnn. The Staff called her “Mama”, they showed her devotion, kindness, compassion, and patience, in her daily care and providing “Mama” with dignity in her final years to end of life. Their support helped the family say goodbye peacefully and will be forever grateful.