Faith Irene Shailor Gandolph's Obituary
Faith Irene Shailor Gandolph returned peacefully to her Father in Heaven on Sunday morning, August 26, 2018. She born on September 23, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York. Faith is the youngest of 4 children born to William Leroy Shailor and Salome Vreeland. She was the apple of her father’s eye.
She spent her growing up years in both Brooklyn, NY and Elmhurst, NY. Her world was shattered when, at the tender age of 14, her father and hero passed away suddenly. She would spend the remainder of her life in tribute to him, doing all she could to “make my dad proud”.
A few short weeks prior to her dad’s passing, she met Thomas Gandolph. He quickly became the rock she relied on then, and continued to be that rock throughout the remainder of her life.
Tom and Faith were married in the Methodist Church in Elmhurst, New York on June 6, 1953, when Tom was only 18 and Faith 16 years old. “They Tried To Tell Us We’re Too Young” became their theme song, as many in attendance at the wedding thought it was only a matter of time before “puppy love” would fade.
Despite all odds, their love and commitment to each other, and to their marriage, continued to bloom. During the first 14½ years of marriage, they welcomed 9 children into their family. Always wanting “an even dozen”, but unable to carry additional children of their own, Faith spoke to Tom about looking into Foster Care. The decision to foster came easily to Faith, as she always had a soft spot for anyone who was hurting - especially children. That soft spot led to the fostering of 30+ children, and eventually to the expansion of their family - first with the adoption of 2 girls in 1987 and then with the adoption of 2 boys in 2012. Tom and Faith’s family was now complete. They would joke that the dozen they planned for was now their “baker’s dozen”.
Faith’s name described her perfectly, as she truly was a woman of great faith. That value was a compass in her life, which eventually led her and her family to welcoming the missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints into their home. They were originally taught the gospel in 1965, but wouldn’t become baptized members until October 16, 1969. Though Faith was convinced of the truthfulness of the gospel from the start, she wanted to wait until Tom felt that same level of conversion. Being united in all aspects of their lives was a pattern in their relationship.
In 1973, Tom and Faith purchased an old school bus, along with their friends Bob and Pat Kruger. They fixed it up, taking out seats and installing a kitchen area and small bathroom. In mid-April of that year, they loaded 8 of the 9 Gandolph children (Tom Jr would meet up with the family in Utah), and all 6 Kruger children, into the bus to begin a journey to Utah so that both families could be sealed (individually) for Time and All Eternity. The trip took much longer than anticipated (the bus broke down in every state from New York to Utah), and they arrived in the Salt Lake Valley in late April. On May 1, 1973 Tom and Faith kneeled across the altar in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, to be sealed together forever. Following that sealing, all 9 of their children joined them around the altar to be sealed as a family. In turn, the Kruger family did the same. It was a momentous occasion that would forever hold a special place in the hearts of all those who were blessed to be there, and continues to be a bonding memory for each of the Gandolph’s and Kruger’s, more affectionately known as “The Krudolph’s”.
Faith is survived by the love of her life, Thomas Benjamin Gandolph Sr, and 12 of their 13 children – Thomas B Gandolph Jr (Marcia), Sharon Sinclair (Norm), Lauren Pepin (Bob), Sheryl De Groot (Bill), Janis Vogelsberg (Rob), Heather Whitehead (Phil), Craig (Carrie), Todd (Suellyn), Scott (Lisa), Karissa McKinney (Jeremy), James and Matthew. In addition, Faith is survived by her 67 grandchildren and 122 great-grandchildren, all of whom she loved and adored.
Faith was preceded in death by a daughter (Kimberly), her parents, and her 3 older siblings and their spouses – William Leroy Jr (Joan O’Gorman and Patricia Pappas), George James (Helen Lynch) and Mae Elizabeth (Howard Baxter). She was also preceded in death by a nephew, two nieces, and their best friends Bob and Pat Kruger.
The family of Tom and Faith Gandolph join together in thanking everyone for the love and prayers that have been bestowed upon us during this time. We are especially grateful to the members of the American Fork 15th Ward for all they have done to lighten our load.
Funeral arrangements are as follows (all services, etc will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building, located at 320 North 100 East in American Fork, Utah):
Viewing (6-8pm) - Friday, August 31, 2018
Viewing (9-10:30am) – Saturday, September 1, 2018
Funeral (11:00-12:30pm) – Saturday, September 1, 2018
Interment at American Fork Cemetery following services
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Faith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Faith?
Share a story where Faith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Faith you’ll never forget.
How did Faith make you smile?