Gail MacGeorge Trolinger

Long-time Bentonville resident, Gail MacGeorge Trolinger, died Monday after a month-long battle with Covid-19. She was 66. Born in Glen Ridge, N.J., she moved to Arkansas nearly 40 years ago. She worked in payroll and accounting for Bentonville Public Schools and Bentonville Medical Center, Kitchens & Assoc., as well as Stafford and Westervelt. She was active in the community, serving two terms on the Bentonville School Board, including one as chairwoman. She was a member of the PTA and of St. Stephen Catholic Church. Her friends describe her as dedi- cated and fiercely loyal. They remember her unwavering support for all things Bentonville Tigers. She grew up in Plantation, Fla., where she was a cheerleader in high school. She maintained her mega-watt, dimpled smile throughout her life, as well as her signature bangs and long brown hair. She had an infectious laugh and she brought so much joy to all those around her. Gail was an amazing cook and she loved music. She was always the best at Name That Tune. She was called Nana Gail by family and friends alike. "I love you to the moon and back," she would often tell daughter, Emily. She was a devoted grandmother, jumping at the chance to see her grandchildren. While daughter, Jessica, saw it as asking for help, Gail saw it as the greatest re- ward. Jessica says the grandchildren often talked about how "Nana gives the best hugs." She was the kind of friend who leaves smiley face emojis on everyone's social media posts. Her own Facebook feed was filled with photos of her family. She noted events like National Daughters and Sons Day, exclaiming how proud she was of her three children. In her profile photo, her arms are wrapped around her two granddaughters while wearing an enormous smile. Upon the news of her illness and passing, friends hastened to post their love, support and memories. "She was feisty when it counted, loving, fun- ny and I am better having known her," said a close friend. Several toasted her with her favorite drink, Yuengling. Her friends and family mourn that she died a few days before Christmas, and mere months before the vaccine would become widely available. But they are inspired by the fact she died on the shortest day of the year, when Jupiter and Saturn appeared to be together in what has been called the Christmas Star 2020. The symbolism gives hope, that like the two planets, Gail and her sister Joanne have now aligned. Besides Joanne, she was preceded in death by her father, John Bien and her beloved dog, Lexie. Gail is survived by her daughter, Jessica Lord (Fletcher Lord), their children Hattie and Eloise of Little Rock; son John Hansen of Ft. Lauderdale, Flor- ida; daughter, Emily Trolinger of Bentonville; mother Joan Bien of Boynton Beach, Florida; sisters Maureen Cavallaro of Brooksville, Florida; Donna Collins of Stuart, Florida; Laura Bien-Musgrave of Franklin,Tennessee; brother Brian Bien of Las Vegas, Nevada and nieces and nephews. Services will be private Tuesday, with a larger celebration of Gail's life to follow in a few months. When her younger sister, Joanne, died three years ago from complications due to Alzheimers, Gail became devoted to raising money for the organiza- tion. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, act.alz.org/site/TR? team_id=648020&pg=team&fr_id=13363. To place an online tribute and to view a livestream of the service, please visit www.stockdalemoody.com