Gail Krebs Obituary

Gail Sforza Krebs, MHA, acclaimed author and expert in healthcare organization and research, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2025, at the age of 79, surrounded by her children. Born and raised in Oneida, NY, Gail graduated from Oneida High School in 1963 before attending Wells College and graduating with her B.S. from Syracuse University. She went on to earn her M.A. degree in communications from the University of Wisconsin and her Master of Health Administration from Cornell University's Sloan Program in Health Services Administration. Gail also held a certificate as a childbirth educator of the Bradley Method from the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth. A distinguished author, Gail co-wrote What Every Pregnant Woman Should Know and The Brewer Medical Diet among other books, which provided essential guidance on nutrition, prenatal care, and breastfeeding. Her work in maternal health alongside Dr. Tom Brewer helped shape a better understanding of the critical role proper nutrition plays in pregnancy, positively impacting the lives of countless mothers and babies. Her groundbreaking research included leading the first national study of managed maternity care products, which was disseminated as a white paper and presented at conferences. She also served as a research professor at the University of New Hampshire's Department of Health Management and Policy, where she shared her extensive knowledge with students and colleagues. Later in life, Gail owned and operated various bed and breakfasts with her husband, Alfred Eugen "Gene" Krebs, then retired to reside for a number of years in Switzerland. Beyond her professional achievements, Gail's greatest joy was spending time with her family, who were spread across California, the Tri-State area, and abroad. She was devoted to providing the best educational and cultural opportunities for her family. She loved opera, theatre, PBS/BBC productions and music of all types - especially those songs with an upbeat swing for dancing and singing along loudly in the large family car. She was also a passionate home cook, and her love of family, food, and tradition was beautifully captured in her cookbook, An Italian Family Reunion Cookbook. Gail was known for her sharp mind, relentless intellectual curiosity, and adventurousness. She had a willingness to follow her heart which led to her residing in such beautiful places as Westchester County and Cazenovia NY, San Francisco CA, Rye Beach NH, and Switzerland. She is survived by her husband, Gene Krebs, her six children: Marisa (Christopher) Soulios, Ginevra (Harley) Blumenfeld, Cornelia Brewer (Josh) Sadd, Thomas (Kristin) Brewer, Francesca Brewer Krebs, and Helena Krebs, as well as two stepchildren, Daniel Krebs and Heidi Krebs, and sixteen grandchildren. She also leaves behind her three sisters, Camille Sforza, Linda Tooke, and Beth Yazell. Gail was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Elsie Sforza, two former husbands, John T. Felt and Thomas H. Brewer, M.D., and her daughter, Elizabetta Brewer Krebs. A Celebration of Life Mass is being planned for June 28th at St. Helena's Catholic Church in Sherrill, NY. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gail, please visit our floral store.

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Published by WKTV on Mar. 1, 2025.