It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gael Alice Kaler, 74, of Ocean Isle Beach who left this world peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by her family.

Gael was born in Lawrence, MA on August 14, 1951, and was the daughter of the late Albert DeCelle (Lawrence Deputy Fire Chief) and Alice Stapleton DeCelle.  She is a graduate of St Patrick’s High School and Chandler secretarial school in Boston. Gael was an excellent secretary taking Della Street, Perry Mason’s right hand, as her mentor.  She served as the Executive Secretary for the Lawrence Retirement Board until she left to marry Herb in 1981 and become a Navy wife.

She supported Herb through his long successful Navy career moving to multiple duty locations and having children along the way.  At each location from Newport, RI, Charleston, SC, Sacramento, CA, and finally Woodbridge, VA,  she would recreate the home atmosphere for the family. She was immensely proud to call herself his wife for 44 loving years.

Gael lived a life marked by love, laughter, faith, and family. A devoted wife, mother, Nani, and friend, she made any place feel like home.   However, her most favorite job will always as Mom where she excelled in every aspect.  Playmate, helper, chef, counselor, chauffeur, and best friend to all.  The home was always filled with baked goods from scratch, late night card games, endless giggles, one on one therapy sessions and unconditional love.  Her sarcasm and mischievous sense of humor were top notch.

In 2016, Gael, Herb and son Jackson built their dream home in Ocean Ridge Plantation in Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, where she filled her days volunteering at Jackson’s school, enjoying the beach as often as possible, playing Hand and Foot with her ladies and weekly lunches with her closest friends. Gael’s warmth, generosity, cooking skills, and joyful spirit made her a beloved presence in every circle she touched. She was active in the community of Ocean Ridge and was a parishioner at St. Brendan, the Navigator Catholic Church.

A true sports fan through and through, Saturdays and Sundays were spent snuggling up in her chair cheering Notre Dame, New England Patriots, and Boston Bruins to victory. She would throw in the occasional home team cheer for the Washington Caps as long as the Bruins weren’t involved.  

Gael was always happiest in a sun beam, much like her beloved cats.  The way Gael lived her life provided a model for others to love unconditionally and to serve selflessly. Simply knowing her inspired those around her to be better versions of themselves-a testament to the depth of her character and the light she carried.

She is survived by her loving husband Herb, and their two sons, Doug (Anna) Kaler and Jackson (Stacie) Kaler, and one daughter, Allison (Luis Matute); grandchildren Harper Kaler and Luka Matute who were the center of her world.  She is also survived by siblings Paul (Chris) DeCelle and Sharon DeCelle.  Her life was enriched by her devoted extended family of beloved cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family. A celebration of Gael's life will be held at a later date.    

Gael Alice Kaler lived fully, loved deeply, and gave freely. Though she will be dearly missed, her spirit endures in the laughter she sparked, the relationships she nurtured, and the example of faith and service she leaves behind. Memorial Donations can be made to any of the following organizations that were dear to Gael's heart: Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, American Cancer Society, or Boys Town.